Schumann: Symphony No. 4 / Sibelius: Symphony No. 1

Despite their differences—cultural background, living in different eras—there are some similarities between Robert Schumann and Jean Sibelius regarding their development as symphonists. Both were already respected composers when they began work on their symphonies. Robert Schumann's Fourth Symphony is actually his second, but it was later heavily revised and is presented on this album in its later version. Jean Sibelius's First Symphony was at the same time his first work to bring him international success, as the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra undertook a tour of Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium with the composer's works, culminating in a performance at the Paris World Exhibition. As the winner of the international 'Guido Cantelli' conducting competition, Eliahu Inbal became a sought-after guest conductor for the world's leading orchestras at the age of just 26. Over the years, he has served as chief conductor of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra del Teatro la Fenice, the RAI National Symphony Orchestra in Turin, the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, the Czech Philharmonic, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.