Bland Sibelius. Bland recordings.

​I'm not sure why so many seem to like this 1980s RCA cycle from Saraste. I find the symphonies bland, run-of-the-mill and completely forgettable. (Incidentally, his 1993 live remakes for Finalandia are very similar. There is no extra spark from being live performances; they are still bland and thoroughly unnecessary). What makes this set even remotely interesting is the inclusion of so much incidental music and suites. It's very useful having all this music compiled in a convenient box.

​If only RCA's recorded sound was at all helpful. It's not. (And SONY hasn't bothered with remastering it for this reissue.) It actually mirrors the readings - flat, bland, airless, lacking life and sparkle all through. This box is one to avoid unless this particular compilation is essential to complete one's collection. But even then, it would be very much worth the effort to seek out all this music in alternative recordings, even if it entails buying several individual discs.