The previous releases in Santtu-Matias Rouvali’s Sibelius series for Alpha have had a mixed reception; this latest instalment demonstrates why. Very much on the plus side is the outstanding playing of the Gothenburg orchestra, which is bold, incisive and rich toned, with strikingly fine brass. On the negative are many aspects of Rouvali’s interpretations, which often seem to try just a bit too hard to be fresh and original.
