Title: Sibelius Symphony No. 2 In D, Op. 43
Artist(s): Conductor - George Szell
Orchestra - Concertgebouw Orchestra
Recording Info: Recorded by Philips at the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, November 1964
Engineers – Henk Jansen, Cees Huizinga
Producer – Jaap van Ginneken
1 Allegretto - Poco Allegro - Tranquillo, Ma Poco A Poco Ravvivando Il Tempo All'Allegro 9:25
2 Tempo Andante, Ma Rubato - Andante Sostenuto 12:39
3 Vivacissimo - Lento E Suave - Largamente 5:43
4 Finale: Allegro Moderato 13:44
Play Sample Tracks
- Reviews
- Questions
Thank you for submitting a review!
Your input is very much appreciated. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too!

Sibelius - Sell
This has been my standard for some 50 years. Have never heard one, in my opinion, to equal it.

Sibelius Symphony No. 2 - George Szell Concertgebouw Orchestra
It's the legend recording, of course highly accepted as the one of the best recording on the Sibelius Symphony 2. I am extremely enjoyed with this album which improves the sound richness, resolution, and sound stage.
Still at the top of the list...
When this recording was first published it was hailed as an almost definitive recording of the Sibelius 2. Philips recordings, for me, seemed to have a technical craftsmanship that made them special. Then there was the Concertgebouw of Amsterdam Orchestra which has been hailed as the greatest in the world in recent years...it has always been in the top five or so. Finally, George Szell, one of the “martinet” conductors of yesteryear (when most of them were martinets) who almost never disappointed. So just based on this resumè of virtues, it was natural to expect something special. And so it was and remains so to this day. Add to that the extra “juice” you get from HDTT’s UHD transfers and you have an incomparable experience awaiting you for this work. Certainly there are others that are masters of Sibelius: Colin Davis, Simon Rattle, or Maurice Abravanel. But, while technology may have improved, musically none of them exceed Szell’s presentation. I already had all the others, but that is why I bought this one.

Still at the top of the list...
When this recording was first published it was hailed as an almost definitive recording of the Sibelius 2. Philips recordings, for me, seemed to have a technical craftsmanship that made them special. Then there was the Concertgebouw of Amsterdam Orchestra which has been hailed as the greatest in the world in recent years...it has always been in the top five or so. Finally, George Szell, one of the “martinet” conductors of yesteryear (when most of them were martinets) who almost never disappointed. So just based on this resumè of virtues, it was natural to expect something special. And so it was and remains so to this day. Add to that the extra “juice” you get from HDTT’s UHD transfers and you have an incomparable experience awaiting you for this work. Certainly there are others that are masters of Sibelius: Colin Davis, Simon Rattle, or Maurice Abravanel. But, while technology may have improved, musically none of them exceed Szell’s presentation. I already had all the others, but that is why I bought this one.
Szell in Sibelius
This is a welcome re-issue from HDTT. This recording is currently only otherwise available in multi-CD sets, and is one of very few examples of Szell conducting Sibelius that is commercially available. Szell’s style was one of precise intonation and rhythm, with a lean orchestral tone, seemingly at odds with the rich tone of the orchestra and the famous acoustic of the Concertgebouw. However, the orchestra is highly responsive to Szell’s way with the music, and carry out his wishes convincingly. In the other direction, Szell was often a bit more mellow when conducting in Europe than when at home. It makes for a performance of high technical accomplishment, but all the things we love about this symphony are there. Recent HDTT transfers from Philips have retained a nicely rounded analogue warmth, and this one does so as well. A much loved performance that has come up very well in this transfer.
DSD256, DSD128 & DSD64 Direct Stream Digital formats are only playable on compatible hardware and software.
24bit 352.8kHz PCM Flac (DXD) DXD is only playable on compatible hardware and software.
24bit 192khz PCM Flac is playable on most all playback devices
24bit 96khz PCM Flac is playable on most all playback devices
Go Here for more detailed Info
Please Note: Playback on Apple media players will require converting the file to the required format.
Gold Premium Compact Disc 300+ years longevity - The recording layer resists UV and heat better than other discs. Includes Complete Jewel case and Liner Notes
Regular Premium Compact Disc Includes Complete Jewel case and Liner Notes Budget Compact Disc contains only the disc without jewel case or liner notes
Please Note: The Gold CD is not offered in the Budget line Some titles do not offer the Budget option
Please allow 7-10 days for CD production time.