Sibelius, Jean - Karelia Suite; Rakastava; Lemminkäinen - Mälkki, Susanna

The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra can rightly be considered "Sibelius's own orchestra," as it was this orchestra, usually conducted by the composer himself, that premiered most of his major works. On this three-track album, the orchestra is conducted by Susanna Malkki; the album is a continuation of the orchestra's three acclaimed albums dedicated to Bartók's music.

Although they were all revised later, the three works on this album were all composed within a very short period of Sibelius's career: between 1893 and 1896, when he was beginning to establish himself as a composer and during the period of national awakening.