Top 5 LPO Label recordings with Karina Canellakis

Fri 24 Oct, 2025

1. Sibelius Symphonies Nos. 2 & 7 – Paavo Berglund

The first album I have chosen from the LPO catalogue is the recording of Sibelius Symphonies Nos. 2 & 7, conducted by Paavo Berglund.  I find his interpretations of Sibelius very inspiring. I love that somehow he continually surprises me with his tempi – the ebb and flow that he achieves, and his sometimes unexpected choice of dynamics and sound quality. He really does interpret in the truest sense, giving an effortless impression that the notes on the page are a mere suggestion of an atmospheric painting. When I hear his Sibelius, the quality of the sound that the Orchestra produces brings it alive for me. I can see this majestic landscape – never aggressive, always suggestive of ominous skies, ancient trees and the endless lakes.

2. Zemlinsky’s A Florentine Tragedy – Vladimir Jurowski

The second in my list is Vladimir Jurowski’s recording of Zemlinsky’s A Florentine Tragedy. I love this lesser-known opera by Zemlinsky, which I have also conducted. It is a one-act psychological thriller, lasting only about an hour and featuring just three characters in a room: a married man and woman, and her lover. It is beautiful and riveting, but very difficult to pull off. Particularly in terms of balance, as it is quite densely orchestrated with many layers – similar to Strauss – whereby as a conductor, you have to be quite clever in balancing the singers with the orchestra and bring out the melody over the accompaniment. I think that on this recording Vladimir did an amazing job, and when I listen to it, it’s hard to believe it is a live performance because it is so masterfully conducted, beautifully sung and played by the Orchestra. It’s simply a stellar performance of what I believe to be a great masterpiece, if a little-known one.

3. Berlioz’s The Damnation of Faust – Edward Gardner

The next album I love from the LPO catalogue is Berlioz’s The Damnation of Faust, conducted by Edward Gardner. This is simply a fantastic recording –  the Orchestra play extremely well and with so much character. This is a piece which I have also done myself and love very much. I get a thrill out of the way Méphistophélès’s character is portrayed in the music; there’s a lot of humour, and his biting devilishness comes out in such a clever way through Berlioz’s brilliant orchestration.  I also find it to be very beautiful and exciting – overall an enthralling performance to listen to, especially enriched by following along with the full text in the liner notes.

4. Jessye Norman sings Strauss – Klaus Tennstedt

My 4th choice is Jessye Norman sings Strauss with Klaus Tennstedt conducting – five songs and Salome. I’m a huge fan of Jessye Norman; I find her voice so moving, and her presence and aura are so regal and powerful. My favourite is the first track – Cäcilie – one of the four early songs of Strauss. They are very familiar to me, and I love to hear her sing them. Of course, Klaus Tennstedt is such a fascinating historical conductor and figure in whom I find a lot of inspiration.

5. Mahler Symphony No. 2 – Klaus Tennstedt

The last (but not least) choice is the recording of Mahler’s Second Symphony, which is again a Tennstedt recording. I am so intrigued by his interpretations and with him coming from an entirely different era, I find it fascinating to listen to his tempi of Mahler interpretations in particular. He has had a huge influence on me, not only as a conductor but a musician as a whole. There is something so intense in his eyes and facial expressions: an almost shy, pent-up intensity, like a burning that comes from deep within, and I like to imagine how that must have translated to all those in the Choir, the entire Orchestra, and everyone he worked with.

Listen to Karina’s Top 5 Playlist now on IDAGIO