Both conductors on this CD knew Sibelius and their interpretations (in each case the earliest recordings) are considered by many still to be definitive. Kajanus was engaged by The Gramophone Company (HMV) to produce their Sibelius Society sets; however after his death Schneevoigt was brought in to conduct the magnificent Sixth in 1934. The “Finnish National Orchestra” was not a regular ensemble but appears to have consisted of the Helsinki Philharmonic augmented by members of the Finnish Radio Orchestra.
Definitive Interpretations – these conductors were colleagues and friends of the composer
Symphony no. 5 and Tapiola recorded 1932
LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA cond. ROBERT KAJANUS
Symphony no. 6 recorded 1934
FINNISH NATIONAL ORCHESTRA cond. GEORG SCHNEEVOIGT