Symphonies 1 - 7 (complete)

"(These) performances are arguably the best of the lot from Lorin Maazel's surprisingly durable Vienna cycle from the 1960s. The disc begins with an incredibly rich, strong downbeat from the Vienna Philharmonic's high-powered double basses and cellos, quickly and impressively establishing the dark, gloomy atmosphere of Sibelius' most pessimistic symphony. Everything moves along like clockwork (but never mechanically!) without any of the lethargic feel that permeates Maazel's later Pittsburgh remakes for Sony Classical. As is often the case with the Vienna Philharmonic, strings, horns, and timpani dominate the sonic picture. However, that combination works just fine for Sibelius' almost Brucknerian canvases." (ClassicsToday on Sym 4 & 7)