Osmo Vänskä Essentials

After making the switch from clarinetist to conductor, this Finnish musician promptly racked up plaudits and awards, which led to major conducting gigs around the world. His impassioned cycle of Beethoven's symphonies, recorded with the Minnesota Orchestra, has earned wide praise. He also brings a sense of sparkling magic to less-famous symphonic works, especially some rarities from the late Romantic and early modern catalog. Combine these achievements with his advocacy for Finland's homegrown music—think Sibelius and Rautavaara—and Vänskä's discography is brilliant and well-rounded.