SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 5; ‘Festive’ Overture. The...

SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 5; ‘Festive’ Overture. The Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Riccardo Muti. EMI Classics CDC 7 54803 2. This recording is as good an argument as there is for long-term relationships between conductors and orchestras--ironically so, now that Muti has left Philadelphia. There is perfect poise here, in the nimble, flexible instrumental execution, in the refined voicings, in the unforced rhetoric. Muti’s approach to the Symphony proves cool but never cold, low-key but closely and intently argued: a Shostakovich Fifth with a light touch, for a change. Even the grotesqueries of the second movement emerge piquantly and elegantly, not broadly. The orchestra responds with impeccable polish, and the Philadelphia strings, especially the lean and focused violins, remain unmatched among American orchestras.

SIBELIUS: “Kullervo,” Opus 7. Marianna Rorholm, soprano; Jorma Hynninen, baritone; Helsinki University Chorus; Los Angeles Philharmonic, Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting. Sony Classical SK 52563. It’s difficult to believe that a composer could turn his back on music as stirring as this, but Sibelius “withdrew” “Kullervo” after the first few (successful) performances. A symphonic poem in five lengthy movements, “Kullervo” sketches various moments in this Finnish mythic hero’s life with the use of a Greek-like chorus, vocal soloists, granitic, heroic themes and driving, minimalistic underpinnings. Salonen leads the Philharmonic in a bracing performance, a dramatically keen and rhythmically tense affair, all the details painted in, clearly. His coolness fits the antique, epic quality of the score. Rorholm and Hynninen turn in stalwart performances, and the Helsinki University Chorus adds appropriate vigor.