Sibelius: Symphony No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 63 / Symphony No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 8

"Had one heard either of Sakari's performance in the concert hall, one would have left feeling very satisfied. Both grip the listener. They are straightforward and unaffected, dedicated and selfless, and free from interpretative point-making. Tempi are for the most part uncommonly well judged, and you feel that Sakari really sees the works as a whole, rather than as a sequence of wonderful episodes. The first movement of the Fifth has splendid breadth, and the transition into the Scherzo section is expertly handled. The Iceland Orchestra may not be in the luxury league but their responses are keen and alert. Moreover, the sound is truthfully balanced and well detailed." Penguin Guide