Sibelius: Symphony No. 2 & The Swan of Tuonela

Sir John Barbirolli was an early advocate of Sibelius’ music, and contributed to the Finnish composer’s rediscovery by adding it to the programs of his Hallé Orchestra concerts. Years before the glorious late 1960s cycle for EMI, he added some symphonies to his discography, for instance the second performed in 1952, here coupled with Sibelius’ hit The Swan of Tuonela.