Jean Sibelius considered that "a symphony should be music   rst and last". His  compositions are regarded to be the epitome of Scandinavian music and the unique  atmosphere of the Nordic landscapes - and the myths and sagas of his home country -  inspired the Finnish composer to write highly individual works. With the exception  of a limited number of excursions into chamber music works and art songs, Sibelius  devoted himself almost entirely to the two genres symphony and tone poems and a  large number of these works have found their way on to many music fans` "favourite  works" lists: in addition to the symphonies, of which the Second, Fourth and Fifth are  particularly popular, Sibelius` popularity is based mainly on his symphonic poems -   rst  and foremost Finlandia, Tapiola, The Swan Of Tuonela and En Saga. Sibelius preferred  having his works interpreted by Koussevitzky and Beecham and the composer enjoyed  a long and profound artistic relationship with the English conductor. This compilation,  which features recordings made between 1933 and 1996, is rounded o. by a muchacclaimed  1946 recording of Sibelius` Violin Concerto in D minor - performed by the  charismatic Ginette Neveu and the Philharmonia Orchestra and conducted by Walter  Ssskind.