The LPs from which this CD came have long been on my shelves, along with Collins' stunning symphonic cycle, which is due to be reissued by Beulah in January 2006. At last, we have replacements! If you have not come across his recordings of Sibelius before you are in for a rare treat! Collins is not that well known these days, but he had a way with orchestras which probably stemmed from his film work - frequently just one rehearsal and then fly by the seat of your pants! Results could be extraordinary, as here. There is tension, a forward momentum, dynamism - at times, you can sense the orchestra are on the edge of their seats. The sound, early HMV stereo, is full, clean and well differentiated. Even if you already have recordings of all these standard Sibelius works, you will not be in any way disappointed by any of the performances on this disc.
[5 of 5 Stars!]
