The warm brass and piquant wind chorales are a far cry from the sleepy Second. Happily, the Symphony #5 almost immediately shows more promise. This is not a work that can afford to drag, and the Finale – though lovingly played – does absolutely nothing. Rather, there's a peculiar and unexpected lack of energy that drags the Symphony #2 down. The latter doesn't really happen here there's no superficially exciting climaxes that simply blur, or stop-and-start sections that ring false. But as demonstrated on the second disc of this cycle, Vänskä at his less than best can drag and indulge in some odd tempo choices. Vänskä at his best is one of the most naturally exciting conductors on the podium, taking old classics and infusing them with vigor and rhythmic intensity. If the Symphony #1 from these forces was overly contrasted and thus drew too much attention to the conductor, this Symphony #2 is a touch on the bland side. Unfortunately, this particular issue has a different set of problems than its successor. On the whole, it shares the "great sound" part of the last sentence, and is again very well done technically. This program features the famous Symphony #2 and the well-known Symphony #5.
The latter disc ( BIS SACD-1996) was notable for being gorgeously played and recorded, but also surprisingly mannered and almost overly-personalized. Given the choice, I slightly prefer this first installment of Osmo Vänskä's Minnesota Sibelius cycle to the second.