The playing is so good and self-assuredly virtuosic it will make the hair stand up on the back of your neck! I think this performance can stand next to the Heifetz premiere recording of 1941. Review by nickc Ap(8 of 10 found this review helpful)ДO NOT MISS THIS!!! I had to order a copy from Caiman in Canada via Amazon. I have so far only listened in Stereo via Sennheiser 650s and Musical Fidelity X-Can V3 tube headphone amp. In these two very good 20th century violin concertos, everything is captured realistically from the whispering violins at the start of the Sibelius concerto,to some impressive climaxes without even a hint of digital edge or only complaint would be that the violin is maybe a bit too closely recorded.And I would have liked to hear a bit more ambience captured.But this is still the first SACD where I just canВґt withold the five star rating for sound quality.The only comparison IВґve made is Christian Ferras who plays the Sibelius on a DGG LP,and good as he is Akiko is even better I think. Akiko Suwanai plays HeifetzВґs old 'Strad' close to perfection IMO. This is my first Philips classics orchestral SACD and I can only agree with the two other reviews here.This is a fantastic record.It is very well recorded with easily the best recorded violin IВґve ever heard in any digital format. Review by Chris Febru(7 of 10 found this review helpful) Like other Philips SACDs originally recorded in DSD, this one's a keeper. While aiming for detail and transparancy, too many orchestral recordings end up having either squeeky or bodiless brass sections, not here: the brass is full-bodied and crystalline without being too loud and obnoxious. The sound stage is wide and deep without excessive reverb. This is most impressive in the Walton concerto where a huge number of details can be heard clearly, while natural orchestral balance is mostly preserved. At times it sounds as if the listener is right in front of the orchestra with music flowing from all directions.

Sonically, the multichannel mix is more aggressive in the rear speakers than most classical music SACD mixes I have encountered so far. Sakari Oramo and the City of Bermingham Symphony provide Akiko Suwanai with excellent support in the Sibelius, but they truly shine in the Walton concerto where soloist, conductor and orchestra sound almost as one entity. Although in comparison with the Sibelius, the Walton concerto gets a more energetic and committed performance from all involved.

Her Walton might be, but only because this is the first time I hear the complete Walton violin concerto.

Good though it may be, Akiko Suwanai's Sibelius is not one I would take with me on a desert island.

Sibelius violin concerto best recording