15 MARCH 1940, Page 48

GRAMOPHONE NOTES

THE only previous recording of this Symphony-almost the most impressive, as it is almost the most popular, of all Sibelius'

works-was that made for an early volume of the Sibelius Society. This recording, which is technically a great improve- ment on its predecessor, may be warmly recommended. Its only real defect is a certain hardness of tone in the strings ;

as a whole, it is vital and thrilling. The last side has as a fill-up a charming piece called The Maiden With the Roses, taken from Sibelius' incidental music for Strindberg's Swan- white.