Ondine Leif Segerstam & Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra: Sibelius Recordings

This 15 CD compilation pays homage to Leif Segerstam (1944-2024), one of the greatest Sibelius conductors of all time. Segerstam left a lasting mark in music history in numerous ways. His Sibelius recordings for Ondine were recorded during his more than a decade long tenure as the chief conductor of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and form an integral part of his more than 30 albums for Ondine between 1994 and 2015. These recordings with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra are a fortuitous combination of the orchestra's tradition of performing Sibelius, going back to collaboration with the composer himself, with Segerstam's experience, sensitive ear and creative energy. Here the stars aligned in a truly remarkable way. In addition to Sibelius' complete symphonies and most important orchestral works, this album also includes music from other Finnish composers who were active during Sibelius' lifetime as well as classics in Scandinavian orchestral music masterfully interpreted by Leif Segerstam.