Few premieres prove to be truly national events but that of Sibelius’s Second Symphony in 1902, given amid burgeoning Finnish nationalism and discontent with Tsarist rule, was undeniably one – a work that still, for all its familiarity, lives up to its hype. Yet Sibelius did not intend to compose a political piece (darker literary and personal shadows lie behind much of the score) which merely reflected the charged atmosphere of the time. The Second’s legacy is wholly musical.

Inkinen takes a holistic approach to the work, avoiding playing overtly to the gallery – even in the grandiose final hymn – while being alive to the drama in each movement. His account generates great momentum although the pace is not that fast: at 44'16" Inkinen may outstrip Davis yet is nearly two minutes behind Järvi, so tempo is not the whole story here. In any case, neither holds a candle to Kajanus, who took under 39' in 1930 (Finlandia, 10/96 – nla). The New Zealanders give a fine account of the works and themselves, and if they do not surpass any of the very personally selected rival versions above (the Gothenburgers have more fire, the LSO and Philharmonia more finesse), their particular orchestral blend and Inkinen’s fine direction make this, at the price, keenly competitive. The symphony is followed by a somewhat relaxed Karelia Suite, feeling exactly right following the intensity of No 2. Again, tempi are deceptive, the newcomer not appreciably different to Järvi or the beautifully played Ashkenazy (originally paired with No 1, 5/86). The orchestra certainly sound as if they enjoyed themselves and so should you in their company.