Classical Music Work of the Week - Dec. 19, 2005

I was first introduced to this piece last year by a good friend (and it so happens, I still have his CD). Since then, I have gotten to know the piece pretty well. It has become a "regular" on my classical music play list. Composed in 1901, during a trip to Italy, Sibelius's second symphony resembles the works of Tchaikovsky and Bruckner in its tonality and form. It's no doubt that the believed "warmest" sounding of his symphonies, with its emotional depth, memorable melodies, and the overall crescendo and climax, remains as Sibelius's most popular work.