Conducted by a young Lorin Maazel and recorded in 1963 with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (VPO), the Decca version of Symphony No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 39, is an undisputed classic.
This recording marks the first time Maazel and the VPO performed together and shows a young conductor, full of fire, at the beginning of what would become an illustrious career. It also marks the beginning of the only Sibelius library (recorded between 1961 and 1968) that Decca has made to date.

Symphony No. 1 was performed at the Sofiensaal, the concert hall where Decca was originally based. Producer John Culshaw and recording engineer Gordon Parry did a masterful job at capturing the famed venue’s acoustics—and this SACD from Esoteric lays it all out like never before. Thanks to Esoteric’s state-of-the-art mastering equipment, you’ll feel Maazel’s youthful energy as he drives the VPO to thrilling heights.

Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)

Symphony No.1 in E Minor, Op.39
1. I. Andante – Allegro energico
2. II. Andante
3. III. Scherzo (Allegro)
4. IV. Finale (Quasi una fantasia)

Karelia Suite, Op.11
5. I. Intermezzo (Moderato)
6. II. Ballade
7. III. Alla Marcia

[Original Recording]
Producer: John Culshaw
Engineer: Gordon Parry
Location: Sofiensaal, Vienna
Recording date:
September, 1963 (Symphony), March 1963 (Suite)