The story has it that Berglund's rehearsals were so strenuous that he took over as principal conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in 1972 because Finnish musicians could no longer keep up with their maestro. The move marked his d but in Europe and brought him numerous recordings for the EMI label with, among others, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra in London and the Dresden Staatskapelle. Berglund no longer needs to resort to dictatorial ways. He is full of praise for the new generation of Finnish musicians. The rise in the standard of Finnish orchestras has been quite incredible.
Young musicians play so much better than their predecessors did.
Now, at the age of 70, Berglund is said to be a better conductor than ever before. Moreover, his interpretative talent, which brings out the granite-like inevitability of the symphonic progression, has long been known and recognised. Today, he is also able to devote himself to the music with possibly even more gusto and flexibility than before. The result is a new kind of rage - and a new warmth. Berglund is known for his tireless analysing and ceaseless whittling of balance and tempo.