Nielsen: Symphonies 3 & 6

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 3, Op 27/FS 60 "Sinfonia espansiva"
Composed by Carl Nielsen
Performed by Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra with Jaakko Kortekangas, Anne-Kristiina Kaappola
Conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste

2. Symphony No. 6, FS 116 "Sinfonia semplice"
Composed by Carl Nielsen
Performed by Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1, FS 16: I. Allegro orgoglioso - Carl Nielsen
Symphony No. 1, FS 16: II. Andante - Carl Nielsen
Symphony No. 1, FS 16: III. Allegro comodo - Carl Nielsen
Symphony No. 1, FS 16: IV. Finale: Allegro con fuoco - Carl Nielsen
Symphony No. 2, FS 29 'The Four Temperaments': I. Allegro collerico - Carl Nielsen
Symphony No. 2, FS 29 'The Four Temperaments': II. Allegro comodo e flemmatico - Carl Nielsen
Symphony No. 2, FS 29 'The Four Temperaments': III. Andante malinconico - Carl Nielsen
Symphony No. 2, FS 29 'The Four Temperaments': IV. Allegro sanguineo - Carl Nielsen

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 'Sinfonia espansiva': I. Allegro espansivo - C. Nielsen
Symphony No. 3 'Sinfonia espansiva': II. Andante pastorale - C. Nielsen
Symphony No. 3 'Sinfonia espansiva': III. Allegretto un poco - C. Nielsen
Symphony No. 3 'Sinfonia espansiva': IV. Finale: Allegro - C. Nielsen
Maskarade - Overture - C. Nielsen
Aladdin, FS 89 - Suite (1919): I. Oriental Festive March - C. Nielsen
Aladdin, FS 89 - Suite (1919): II. Aladdin's Dream And Dance Of The Morning Mist - C. Nielsen
Aladdin, FS 89 - Suite (1919): III. Hindu Dance - C. Nielsen
Aladdin, FS 89 - Suite (1919): IV. Chinese Dance - C. Nielsen
Aladdin, FS 89 - Suite (1919): V. The Marketplace In Ispahan - C. Nielsen
VI. Dance Of The Prisoners - C. Nielsen
Aladdin, FS 89 - Suite (1919): VII. Negro Dance - C. Nielsen

Customer Reviews:

Definitive Danish Music.......2006-04-05

The most famous Danish composer, Carl Nielsen, is represented here in the first of two, 2-disk collections of his symphonies and smaller orchestral works conducted by Herbert Blomstedt. Symphonies 1-3, Aladdin Suite, and Maskarade Overture show youthful independence and optimism, Romantic tendencies, and solid compositional skills: interesting melodic and harmonic material.

The Maskarade Overture has a scherzo-like feel, often playful, with a loveable and catchy opening melody, and engaging secondary melody; dramatic and witty, at 4 minutes long, the overture is a charming and fun-loving experience. The 25-minute Aladdin Suite, like the Overture, is based off of a stage work; the story taken from 1001 Arabian Nights. In seven parts, the various sections exploit dance in many forms: Oriental Festival March, Aladdin's Dance and Morning Mist Dance, Hindu Dance, Chinese Dance, Marketplace in Ispahan, Prisoner's Dance, and Negro Dance. The opening is a plodding and menacing march, very Russian sounding, while the Morning Mist Dance is quite the opposite; a fantastical waltz. Of the Hindu and Chinese dance, the former is modal and slinky, while the latter has a moderate bounce to it, but all are overshadowed by the Marketplace following. Ingeniously, Nielsen splits the orchestra in to four ensembles, each overlap each other with contrasting ideas, including a nasal wordless chorus, a chamber drone, all very exotic and unique. The final two parts feature a ragged dance and the finale, a return of the wordless chorus, and a frenetic conclusion. The works are colorful and in some cases experimental, but of a Romantic tradition.

The three symphonies, each just over thirty minutes, show Nielsen's growth as a composer. Symphony No. 1 has an oscillating texture that is carried throughout the work; from the boisterous opening Allegro, to the second movement string chorale, with its murky undertone, to the gently rocking third movement, exhibiting exotic, Russian sounding modes and brass chorales, to troubled, but brash finale, Nielsen's first symphonic outing shows his musical moodiness, but love of varying colors and melodic styles. Symphony No. 2 "Four Temperaments" is based on a painting Nielsen saw at a village inn. Depicting the four human characteristics: Impetuous, indolent or lazy, melancholy, and naïve, each movement describes and combines these states of being. The fiery opening, featuring unexpected syncopations and outbursts, is both heroic and romantic, but the sudden mood changes are expounded through dynamics and texture. The lumbering, flowing second movement has a slight lilt, not to mention occasional humorous orchestrations; while the third movement is set as a funeral ode, tragically serious with throbbing motives. The final movement is like a pioneer dance, with unbridled joy, athletic optimism, and rhythmic vitality, ending the work brilliantly. The Third Symphony, subtitled "Sinfonia Expansiva", uses ideas surrounding the word expansive. The bold orchestra hits open the work, an athletic leaping melody is used in various settings and textures. The second movement calls for soprano and baritone soloists, a calm evocation. A moody scherzo makes up the third movement, and a stuffy procession brings the work to a close. Altogether, the works display ingenious melodies, old forms (such as fugue), Russian orientalism, occasional jazzy inflections, and swiftly changing mood conflicts and shifts.

This compilation performed by Herbert Blomstedt and the San Francisco Symphony is considered the definitive performances of Carl Nielsen's orchestral works. Enthusiastic performances all around, good ensemble work, and a swaggering brass sound make these performances first class. The Decca digital sound from the late 80's to 90's is pretty good, with clear, balanced sounds. The chorus is good, although it is slightly overmiked, and the vocal soloists, although a small role, perform well. At a 2 for1 price, 130 minutes of music, and stellar performances, this is a super bargain. If you like late Romantic sounds, with great melodies and interesting harmonic settings, the CD is a steal. Highly Recommended!

Nielsen - a much neglected composer .......2005-04-17

This set has changed the way I see Scandinavian music. Nielsen is a great composer and all his symphonies are up there among the very best of their era. He is bolder than the well-known Grieg and Sibelius and his music has something fresh. The playing of the SFSO under Herbert Blomstedt (have you hear the recording of Mahler's 2nd with the same contributors? One of the very best...) and the Decca sound really add to the great experience. A must for all music lovers.

These be the symphonies, this be the conductor.......2004-03-10

If Nielsen had practiced his craft in Vienna or Munich, his symphonies might be better known. This two-CD set shows he was a master of the big Romantic symphony. His brass choruses make this "Bruckner meets Charles Ives."

Although the "Inextinguishable" (No. 4 on the second set in this series) is the most well-known of the six symphonies, Symphony No. 3 "Sinfonia espansiva" deserves a more prominent place in the repertory. In this performance it yelps and leaps with delight all the way to a dramatic conclusion.

Herbert Blomstedt led the San Francisco Symphony for a happy decade before turning over the reins to Michael Tilson Thomas. This is a world-class orchestra and Herb channels his inner Nielsen in this set. It's hard to believe that a better Nielsen cycle exists--or will ever exist.

Part One Of Blomstedt's Great Nielsen Symphony Cycle.......2002-04-17

This excellent Decca/London two CD set includes Blomstedt's splendid interpretations of Nielsen's first three symphonies and the Aladdin Suite. Those who say that Michael Tilson Thomas is responsible for the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra's stature as an internationally renowned ensemble should hear Blomstedt's recordings with the San Francisco Symphony; his Nielsen symphony cycle is widely acclaimed as among his best. Blomstedt emphasizes the Romantic qualities inherent in these early Nielsen scores, leading the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra in brisk, vibrant performances. The sound quality is absolutely first rate for these early digital recordings; I doubt they could be enhanced further with the latest digital image-bit remastering.

Some of the 20th Century's Finest Symphonism.......2001-08-13

Great sound, great performances, great music. (Long version follows.)

For years, all I knew of Nielsen's work was the brilliant clarinet concerto. I can't give a good answer to the question, "Why haven't you sought ought his other music sooner?" Especially now that I have heard all six symphonies, and the other concerti.

This two-disc set I have found resiliently re-visit-able, from the impressively-assured first symphony, to the effulgent Sinfonia espansiva. And particularly the colorful "Aladdin" Suite, which features the Western orchestra producing marvelous Mid-Eastern effects.

Nielsen : Symphonies 2 & 3 / San Francisco Symphony / Herbert Blomstedt
Average customer rating:

Robert Layton's Review in Gramophone

Nielsen : Symphonies 2 & 3 / San Francisco Symphony / Herbert Blomstedt
Carl Nielsen , Herbert Blomstedt , and San Francisco Symphony
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Nielsen: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 6

Nielsen: Symphonies 4 & 5

Symphony No. 9 / Overture in C

ASIN: B00000E4LI
Release Date: 1990-07-25

Tracks:

Sym No. 2 'The Four Temperaments': I. Allegro collerico
Sym No. 2 'The Four Temperaments': II. Allegro comodo e flemmatico
Sym No. 2 'The Four Temperaments': III. Andante malincolico
Sym No. 2 'The Four Temperaments': IV. Allegro sanguineo
Sym No. 3 'Espansiva': I. Allegro espansivo
Sym No. 3 'Espansiva': II. Andante pastorale - Nancy Wait Kromm
Sym No. 3 'Espansiva': III. Allegretto un poco
Sym No. 3 'Espansiva': IV. Finale: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Robert Layton's Review in Gramophone.......2006-04-19

Herbert Blomstedt finds the tempo giusto in the first movement--there is splendid concentration and fire, and as usual from the right pace stems the right character. Moreover, I wonder whether the orchestra is not at an early stage of discovering this music for there is a genuine excitement about their performance, which was less in evidence in Blomstedt's earlier Danish account on EMI. There is no lack of warmth in their playing.

Of course Blomstedt is an experienced guide in this repertoire and it tells, particularly in the Espansiva, which has greater depth than Chung (BIS/Conifer) or his own earlier EMI account. The tempo giusto for the finale which eluded such artists as Bernstein (CBS, due for reissue) and Francois Huybrechts (Decca) feels just right here. And it is the underlying current on which this music is borne, that is so expertly judged. In fact right from the beginning I found my old enthusiasm for this genial symphony rekindled anew. Blomstedt's is an affirmative, powerful reading and although in the slow movement, the soprano's vibrato may not be to all tastes, she produces the required ethereal effect and the baritone, Kevin McMillan, is also fine.

Over the years I have heard every commercial recording of both symphonies (save Stokowski in No. 2 and Ehrling in No. 3) from the pioneering accounts of Jensen and Tuxen that lit the beacon in the 1950s onwards (I do wish Decca would reissue the latter's Espansiva and EMI would transfer the former along with Grondahl's No. 4 on to CD). It is perhaps hazardous to say so on the strength of one hearing (the disc arrived as we go to press), but Blomstedt's account of both works strikes me as by far the most satisfying to have appeared for years and brings added lustre to a distinguished cycle. Anyway, I shall certainly not be getting rid of it!

Average customer rating:

Sony, Please reissue
Still unmatched in most respects ...
The best Expansive ever recorded!
Magnificent Performances
Nielsen; The 20th Century Greatest Symphonist.

Nielsen: Symphonies 3 & 5

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Nielsen: Symphonies 2 & 4
Ludwig Thuille: Symphony; Piano Concerto
Nielsen: Wind Chamber Music
Julius Röntgen: Symphony No. 3; Suite "Aus Jotunheim"
Mussorgsky - Boris Godunov / Kotscherga, Ramey, Lipovsek, Larin, Leiferkus, Langridge, Abbado

ASIN: B0000027N6
Release Date: 1993-06-22

Tracks:

Sym No.3, Op.27: I. Allegro Espansivo - Royal Danish Orch/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.3, Op.27: II. Andante Pastorale - Ruth Guldbaek/Niels Moller
Sym No.3, Op.27: III. Allegretto Un Poco - Royal Danish Orch/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.3, Op.27: IV. Finale. Allegro - Royal Danish Orch/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.5, Op.50: I. Tempo Giusto-Adagio Non Troppo - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.5, Op.50: II. Allegro-Andante Un Poco Tranquillo - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein

Customer Reviews:

Sony, Please reissue.......2007-02-28

When the Symphony No. 3 here first came out on LP, I purchased it and fell in love with this great work. Were it not for the two vocalists required in the slow movement, I believe this symphony would be played far more often than it is. But it just those wonderful vocal moments that really stand out when this work is played in public. It lasts maybe three minutes but it is pure magic. The Bernstein performance, recorded in Denmark, is magnificent, a performance for the ages. For that reason alone, Sony should reissue it and allow it to stay in the catalog. The 5th Symphony is not as beautiful as the 3rd, but it is extremely exciting and since it has no vocal requirements, it is played much more often. I suspect Sony will reissue this CD in SACD. I would wait for that version.

Still unmatched in most respects ..........2006-05-05

My review seconds everything said about the 3rd Symphony reading, and I would add that the 5th Symphony reading seems not to have been quite matched by anyone else. Along with the overall polish and power of the first movement, the tempi of the final movement are generally faster and more difficult to sustain than others have ever attempted on record, especially in the Presto fugue that introduces those astounding clarinet and wind figurations. This leads eventually and with equal intensity to a towering finale that Bernstein ends on a huge sustained brass chord, which truly stands apart from all other performances I have heard. In two words, I would call this recording of the 5th far and away the "most uncompromising" of any I have heard.

For those who have not found it in their search, this entire recording seems still to be available on Sony Catalog No. 44708 (ASIN B00000DSAX) and can be found on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000DSAX/qid=1146761626/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/104-4972447-7733563?s=classical&v=glance&n=5174.
I had to use "Nielsen, Symphony, 5, Bernstein" to make it come up on my search page.

The best Expansive ever recorded!.......2005-10-04

In Leonard Bernstein 's musical career there have been glorious and unforgettable achievements: and if I was required by the eight major ones: I should name, in this order. a) Mahler' s Second with the London Symphony; b) Schumann 's Second ; c) Aaron Copland 's Rodeo; d) Edward Elgar' s Pomp and circumstance with the members of the BBC; e) Britten 's Peter Grimes ; f) Haydn ' s Symphony No. 97; g) Charles Ives question without answer; and finally this Nielsen 's Third. Nobody does it better. When Bernstein was inspired and decided to face the work going to the essential roots, he got magnificent results as this one, for instance.
So don' t think it over and try to get as soon as you can this towering recording, without a little shadow of doubt: this is a resonant artistic feat.

Magnificent Performances.......2005-06-20

I consider Nielsen to be one of the greatest 20th Century symphonists. Both the 3rd and 5th are remarkably atmospheric, complex, approachable masterpieces that reward repeated listening. If you don't know these works, please do yourself the favor of purchasing this disk. There are other performances that are easier to find in stores, and they're less expensive, too--most notably the Decca Double 2-CD set re-releases of Herbert Blomstedt's performances with the San Francisco Symphony. However, Berstein's performances here are truly incandescent, far outstripping the Blomstedt set in passion, emotional fervor, imaginative sweep, and atmospheric evocation. I've listened to every performance of Nielsen's symphonies I've been able to get my hands on--the 3rd, Symphonia Espansiva, is my personal favorite--but no other performances can match these. The slower-than-usual tempo in the finale of the 3rd is truly extraordinary--the music breathes and surges with a febrile excitement, with a breathtaking exhilaration. Ahh, Bernstein...what an inspiring genius of the podium. This would be worth owning at triple or quadruple the price asked here. Please do yourself a favor and purchase this disk. (It's really criminal that Sony hasn't re-released these performances in the US as part of the Bernstein Century series, because they are among his finest recorded performances.) Enjoy!

Nielsen; The 20th Century Greatest Symphonist........2000-01-12

I experienced live Bernstein conducting Nielsen's symphonies in Denmark, when I was young. The 1st movement of Nielsen's masterpiece the 5th symphony is still etched in my mind as one of the most powerful pieces of music ever composed. Where have you every heard a clarinet and a snaredrum togehter making beatiful and at the same time frightening music. Bernstein masters this complex composition and its feelings perfectly and the recording is a great honor to these two masters, Nielsen and Bernstein.

I cannot find any 20th century composition or even any classic symphony, which comes close to Nielsens mastery in the 5th, except perhaps Nielsen's own 4th and 6th symphonies.

When you at the same time get the lesser played but very moving "Sinfonia Expansiva" Opus 27/ Nielsen's 3rd symphony thrown in for free, you are in for a rare treat. While the 5th only had two more or less interlinked movements, the 3rd is a classical four movement symphony. But up to Nielsen's usual treatment of harmonic bluffness, an almost unremittingly dissonnat progress, in places even with polytonal features, in the 3rd symphony no particular key is not maintained for long. In fact the music expands continiously in melodic and rhythmic elements. The classic insistance on tonal unity wihtin each single movement as well as the work as a whole had been disregarded by Nielsen as early as his 2nd symphony. A special coloring is obtained in this symphony by the combination of melody with 2 human voices, that sing seemingly improvised coloraturas on the vowel "a". If you buy this, you will also have to buy his 4th and 6th symphonies, and the Clarinet Concerto (try the one played by jazzman Benny Goodman). The 5th symphony use of clarinet and snaredrum later inspired this tumultuous concerto.

Nielsen: Complete Symphonies
Average customer rating:

A Very Solid Nielsen Symphony Cycle, But...

Nielsen: Complete Symphonies

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Nielsen | Nielsen, Carl | ( N ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000000ARR
Release Date: 2000-05-23

Customer Reviews:

A Very Solid Nielsen Symphony Cycle, But..........2004-01-12

Bryden Thomson and the Royal Scottish Orchestra give very solid, committed performances of all six of Carl Nielsen's symphonies. I had the pleasure of listening to this set at my university's music library while an undergraduate music student. The sound quality, as one can expect from the Chandos label, is excellent.

However, Bryden Thomson seems to have some strange tempi, sometimes too fast at crucial climaxes in the symphonies. An example of this is the first movement of Nielsen's First Symphony. At one of the big orchestral G Minor sections he starts out very slowly, then picks up too much, sounding rushed and awkward. The symphony still comes off very nicely, but there are other times when the orchestra plays too loudly, distorting the sound.

Furthermore, the Nielsen symphonies remain a very competitive realm, both quality-wise and price-wise. While this is a nice set, there is absolutely no reason for you to purchase it when you can buy Herbert Blomstedt's outstanding Nielsen symphony cycle with the San Francisco Symphony (two London "Double Decca" CD's). It even includes several of Nielsen's important orchestral works ("Aladdin" Suite, "Maskarade" Overture, Hymnus Amoris), whereas Thomson's set is restricted to symphonies only.

Tracks:

I. Allegro Espansivo
II. Andante Pastorale - Christian Immler
III. Allegretto Un Poco
IV. Finale: Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Poco Allegretto
III. Poco Adagio Quasi Andante
IV. Allegro

Average customer rating:

Unbeatable Nielsen

Nielsen: Symphonies/Concertos

Manufacturer: Bis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000016JR
Release Date: 1994-10-12

Tracks:

I. Allegro Orgoglioso
II. Andante
III. Allegro Comodo
IV. Finale. Allegro Con Fuoco
I. Allegro Collerico
II. Allegro Comodo E Flemmatico
III. Andante Malincolico
IV. Allegro Sanguineo

Tracks:

I. Allegro Espansivo
II. Andante Pastorale
III. Allegretto Un Poco
IV. Finale. Allegro
I. Tempo Giusto - Adagio Non Troppo
II. Allegro - Andante Un Poco Tranquillo - Allegro

Tracks:

I. Allegro - Neeme Jarvi
II. Poco Allegretto - Neeme Jarvi
III. Poco Adagio Quasi Andante - Neeme Jarvi
Con Anima - IV. Allegro - Neeme Jarvi
I. Tempo Giusto - Neeme Jarvi
II. Humoreske. Allegretto - Neeme Jarvi
III. Proposta Seria. Adagio - Neeme Jarvi
IV. Tema Con Variazioni: Allegro - Variations 1-9 - Fanfare - Neeme Jarvi

Tracks:

I. Praeludium. Largo - Allegro Cavalleresco
II. Poco Adagio
III. Rondo. Allegretto Scherzando
I. Allegro Moderato - Orchestra
II. Allegretto - Adagio Ma Non troppo - Allegretto - Tempo Di Marcia - Orchestra
Allegretto Un Poco - Poco Adagio - Allegro Non Troppo - Adagio - Allegro Vivace - Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Unbeatable Nielsen.......2002-10-09

Myung-whun Chung and Neme Jarvi are both ideal Nielsen interpreters, combining power with soaring lyricism. This set includes some of the best performances of the symphonies you'll hear. Chung's account of the 3rd is the best I've ever heard (I've heard about all currently available), with powerful outer movements and a tempo in the pastorale that allows it the breadth it should have in a symphony named "The Expansive." Likewise, Chung's other performances, including the 5th, are among the best. Jarvi is equally good in the 4th and 6th. The concerto performances continue in the same vein, and are highly satisfying. The sound quality is excellent. Recommended very, very highly.

Average customer rating:

Two blazing readings that astounded the Danish

Nielsen: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 5

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000DSAX
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Customer Reviews:

Two blazing readings that astounded the Danish.......2005-09-11

Nielsen is the national composer of Denmark, as often played there as Tchaikovksy in Russia. When Bernstein conducted this performance of the Third Sym with the admittedly pretyt ragged Danish orchestra, they outdid themselves in a way I am sure they never imagined. The Fifth Sym from New York is much more polished but just as impetuous and wonderful. Classic readings never excelled.

Average customer rating:

Under-rated masterpieces beautifully played and recorded
Nielsen: The Danish Wizard

Nielsen: Symphonies 2 & 3

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Nielsen: Symphonies Nos. 4 "The Inextinguishable" and 5
Nielsen: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 6 ("Sinfonia semplice")
Bax: Quintet for Harp & Strings / Sonata Flute & Harp
Bridge: String Quartets 2 & 4 / Phantasy Piano Quartet
Bridge: String Quartets Nos. 1 and 3

ASIN: B0000013YZ
Release Date: 1995-09-19

Tracks:

Allegro Collerico
Allegro Comodo E Flemmatico
Andante Malincolico
Allegro Sanguinoso
Allegro Espansiva
Andante Pastorale
Sym No.3, Op.27 'Sinfonia espansiva': Allegretto un poco
Sym No.3, Op.27 'Sinfonia espansiva': Finale: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Under-rated masterpieces beautifully played and recorded.......2004-07-19

I remember being vaguely unimpressed with Nielsen's works when I was first exposed to them 20 years ago. It took the bargain Naxos price to coax me off my prejudiced perch to give this composer one last try. The five-star rating a previous reviewer gave this album also helped push me over the edge. I figured that, worst case, I'd only have proven again that glowing customer reviews are seldom authoritative or objective. Boy, did I eat crow!

I was transfixed by these works virtually from the outset. The performances were passionate yet precise, emotionally insightful but framed with crystalline clarity. There are dimuendi and pianissimo string decrescendos that are so controlled and balanced, you marvel that anyone could have captured that magic in a recording. It's as if you're listening to the Berlin Philharmonic on a "good hair day." As you listen, you keep thinking to yourself "this can't possibly be a budget disk. Someone must have slipped a Deutsche Gramophone CD into the jewel case!"

For listeners seeking motivic development on a Beethovenian, Brahmsian, or Mahlerian scale, Nielsen delivers the goods on this front as well. The sheen of these masterpieces is not merely skin-deep. There is architectonic depth and contrapuntal integrity undergirding this fine composer's flights of imagination. What more could one ask of a disk, than to introduce listeners to one of the great symphonists of the 20th century?

Nielsen: The Danish Wizard.......2003-07-29

I recently listened to this disc while driving across southern Iceland and, with the stereos turned up to full blast and the bizarre lunar landscape peeking in through my window, everything combined to create a truly out-of-body experience! And with good reason, for this music is SHEER WIZARDRY!!!

Nielsen called his Third Symphony the "Sinfonia Espansiva" because he felt it was a mind-expanding experience both to write and to listen to. In fact, all of his music is mind-expanding, and these two magical, strange, and phenomenally exciting symphonies above all. They won't fail to inspire you.

The fascinating Second Symphony (entitled "The Four Temperaments") is an attempt to capture in music the four principal human moods: anger, laziness, melancholy, and excitement. The swashbuckling first movement is full of rambunctious energy and incredible breadth of harmony and will completely carry you away. The almost cheeky second movement is said to depict a bored, dreamy youth who, in the third movement, becomes a thundering, melancholy romantic -- and a convincing one at that, for the music is profoundly stirring and alluringly gloomy. Finally, the triumphant "Allegro sanguinoso" rounds off the symphony and brings us back to sanity and happiness.

The Third Symphony is equally interesting (and less programmatic) and merits the "mind-expanding" label 100%. Both of these symphonies have more melody in them than Nielsen's later, more exploratory symphonies, and both manage to attractively combine heavy dollops of late romanticism with Nielsen's characteristic way of giving you exactly the kind of melodies and harmonies you least expect, pushing the mind's boundaries outward. This music is like a dream sailing into the stars.

The performance is also out of this world. Top-notch acoustics. Strong bass. Ice-cold clarity.