Distinguished by a simplicity and lucidity that has made it one of Sibelius\' most popular works, the Fifth Symphony, according to Grove\'s, is simply in its most characteristic manifestations, unlike any other music....

Written during the years 1905 to 1912, this evocative orchestral triptych expresses the national characters of three countries. Iberia is scored with Spanish castanets and tambourines. It is accompanied by Gigues, a moody tribute to England, and Rondes de printemps, a celebration of spring in the French countryside....