for a single-disc survey, why not hear [Sibelius's complete piano works] on an instrument of the day rather than a more modern specimen built for the kind of concert-hall projection that is irrelevant to most of the music...[the Finlandia transcription] and the Valse triste apart, there may not be much here that shows Sibelius at his most personal. But it is still a disc to treasure.

Minutes into this generous collection and several things are clear. First, Gräsbeck plays with an ease and affection that’s utterly right for these pieces. Second, this ageing instrument is in very good shape. And third, Take5’s producer and sound engineer Jens Braun has conjured up the most tactile and truthful piano sound imaginable. Every nuance and timbre is faithfully rendered...Musical and sonic nirvana, this; prepare to be overwhelmed.

It has a beautiful, woody domestic sound, though decisively clear articulation, and is ideal for gramophone reproduction in small rooms. These miniatures, often haunting, invariably betray a master craftsman.

We’re deep into composer anniversary geekery here, but bear with me...the sound of the piano really is lovely: sweet, nutty, with soft articulation and endearingly warbly tuning. Folke Gräsbeck — a Sibelius specialist and an admirably unfussy player — offers a generous selection of the composer’s piano music.