Carl Nielsen: Symphonies 1 & 2

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 1 in G minor, Op 7/FS 16
Composed by Carl Nielsen
Performed by Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Conducted by Bryden Thomson

2. Symphony No. 2 ("The Four Temperaments"), Op. 16 (FS29)
Composed by Carl Nielsen
Performed by Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Conducted by Bryden Thomson

Tracks:

Symphony No. 4, FS 76 'The Inextinguishable': Allegro - Carl Nielsen
Symphony No. 4, FS 76 'The Inextinguishable': Poco allegretto - Carl Nielsen
Symphony No. 4, FS 76 'The Inextinguishable': Poco adagio quasi andante - Carl Nielsen
Symphony No. 4, FS 76 'The Inextinguishable': Con anima - Allegro - Carl Nielsen
Symphony No. 5, FS 97: I Tempo giusto - Carl Nielsen
Symphony No. 5, FS 97: Adagio non troppo - Carl Nielsen
Symphony No. 5, FS 97: II Allegro - Carl Nielsen
Symphony No. 5, FS 97: Presto - Carl Nielsen
Symphony No. 5, FS 97: Andante un poco tranquillo - Carl Nielsen
Symphony No. 5, FS 97: Allegro - Carl Nielsen

Tracks:

Symphony No. 6, FS 116 'Sinfonia semplice': I Tempo Giusto - C. Nielsen
Symphony No. 6, FS 116 'Sinfonia semplice': II Humoreske: Allegretto - C. Nielsen
Symphony No. 6, FS 116 'Sinfonia semplice': III Proposta seria: Adagio - C. Nielsen
Symphony No. 6, FS 116 'Sinfonia semplice': IV Tema con variazioni - C. Nielsen
Little Suite For Strings, FS 6: I Praludium - C. Nielsen
Little Suite For Strings, FS 6: II Intermezzo - C. Nielsen
Little Suite For Strings, FS 6: III Finale - C. Nielsen
Hymnus amoris, FS 21: I Amor mihi vitam donat - C. Nielsen
Hymnus amoris, FS 21: II Amor est dolor meus - C. Nielsen
Hymnus amoris, FS 21: III Amor est pax mea - C. Nielsen

Customer Reviews:

5 stars all the way!!!!!.......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. The other pieces are good too but don't have the excitement of the symphonies- still a welcome addition. A must for all music lovers.

One of the greatest symphonies ever.......2001-04-22

The greatest symphonies are not only peerless works of art, but they also speak profoundly and prophetically from the historical context out of which they were conceived. In this respect, I've always considered Shostakovich's Fifth and Ives's Fourth as the two greatest symphonies of the last century. Then I discovered Nielsen's Fifth...

Nielsen's Fifth, as performed by Blomstedt in this recording, is a stunning, miraculous, amazing, tragic, and ultimately life-affirming masterpiece. Written in the wake of the Great War when the scope of its horror had become fully apparent to the composer, it speaks profoundly and prophetically of the rise of nationalism, fascism, and the eternal conflict between a peaceful social discourse and the war-machine of the state.

The two other symphonies on this album are also noteable. The Fourth is a near great work, which was also written during the Great War and deals with the "Inextinguishable" spirit of mankind. The Sixt!h is enigmatic, iconoclastic, humorous.

Everyone interested in 20th Century classical music should purchase this complete set of Nielson symphonies. It will quickly become a treasured part of any music collection.

Nielsen rocks!.......2000-07-21

First off, the Blomstedt recordings are exceptional, for both symphonies 1-3 and 4-6. The music included in addition to the symphonies is great fun, especially the "Hymnus Amoris," on the 4-6 release, which is an excellent, thoroughly enjoyable choral work. The recording is demonstration quality--clear, crisp definition with great performances. Nielsen is a highly original symphonic composer. In that way, he is like Sibelius. But he also demonstrates an intriguing quirkiness in his compositional style. By quirky I mean that his symphonies go through fits of ecstasy, melancholy, joy, eeriness, and solemnity, often within the space of mere minutes of listening. It takes a few listens to get into it. I enjoy it very much, though. "The Inextinguishable" has melodic elements in the first movement such as would melt the heart, and these fine moments are given a noble return in the finale, along with great use of tympani drums. The fifth and sixth are the especially quirky ones, the sixth the quirkiest of all. But chances are, if you're looking into Nielsen, you want to embrace music that contains vitality and a rich depth of expression... if so, you will really come to love all the orchestral works on these discs for their shifting intricacies, evolving patterns, and subtle orchestrations, and I will recommend it all wholeheartedly. These are great orchestral works.

More Great Music!.......2000-07-01

The Blomstedt Nielsen cycle was originally issued on 3 cds with two symphonies each, but it has now been put onto 2 double cds, making the deal even more attractive. The fourth and fifth are among my favorite symphonies, and the SF symphony gives as fine a performance as I know of them. Just listen to the opening tuba blast in the 'Inextinguishable' and you know you're in for something special.

Nielsen: Symphonies no 1-3 / Blomstedt, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Definitive Danish Music
Nielsen - a much neglected composer
These be the symphonies, this be the conductor
Part One Of Blomstedt's Great Nielsen Symphony Cycle
Some of the 20th Century's Finest Symphonism

Nielsen: Symphonies no 1-3 / Blomstedt, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00001X5A0
Release Date: 1999-10-12

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

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.

Tracks:

Sym No. 1: I. Allegro orgoglioso
Sym No. 1: II. Andante
Sym No. 1: III. Allegro comodo
Sym No. 1: IV. Finale
Sym No. 6: I. Tempo giusto
Sym No. 6: II. Humoreske: Allegretto
Sym No. 6: III. Proposta seria: Adagio
Sym No. 6: IV. Temo con variazioni: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

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

I liked Blomstedt's account of the Fourth and Fifth Symphonies (Decca CD), and as some readers will recall, he recorded for EMI not only the six symphonies but Nielsen's complete orchestral works (including the three concertos) with Danish Radio forces in the mid-1970s for EMI. The intervening years have found him developing in stature and his Bruckner Fourth and Seventh Symphonies with the Staatskapelle Dresden on Denon show a very real depth and mastery.

Let's start with the First Symphony, for which Nielsen always nurtured a special affection-and rightly so, for its language is natural and unaffected, it has spontaneity of feeling and a Dvorakian warmth and freshness. To my mind this newcomer is the best account of the work to have appeared for some years: indeed, I'm tempted to say, since the 1967 Previn/LSO account on RCA. It is vital, beautifully shaped and generally faithful to both the spirit and the letter of the score. Tempo markings are observed, though Blomstedt is considerably slower than Nielsen's crotchet=120 in the Andante sostenuto section of the scherzo, which is a pity as it relates to the minim=120 of the finale which he does observe. Otherwise he is completeiy on target and even observes a piu vivo marking in the finale (eight bars after fig. E; track 4, 1'37'') which in Jensen's pioneering Decca version is barely perceptible.

Blomstedt achieves a finely blended wind sound and cultured string playing and although the music is not borne on so highly charged a current as with Jensen's, I would prefer to hear this version before any of those listed above. The recording is good, though the Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco has more clarity than warmth. All the same, the sound has plenty of room to expand. There is also a very good relationship between the various sections of the orchestra and a realistic back-to-front perspective.

Blomstedt gives a powerful account of the Sixth Symphony too, with plenty of intensity and an appreciation of its extraordinary vision. It is by far the most problematic and challenging of the cycle. He opts for a much faster tempo than did Jensen in his 1952 Danacord/Conifer recording--I quote Jensen simply because he is said to have had a particularly good feeling for Nielsen's tempo markings, having played under the composer, and his much broader opening proves stronger in atmosphere. There is (as I see it) an undercurrent of foreboding that escapes Blomstedt in these opening pages, as indeed it did in his mid-1970s version. Mind you, there is much more that he succeeds in penetrating the powerful nervous tension later on in the movement, and the depth in the 'Proposta seria'.

Ole Schmidt and the LSO on Unicorn-Kanchana comes as part of a three-CD set of all six symphonies, and is neither as well played nor as well recorded as this Decca newcomer. Yet Schmidt still has something special to say and opens up the world of this strange and visionary symphony with all its disturbing overtones. Yet had I never heard the Jensen or Schmidt performances, I would have few reservations about this newcomer. Blomstedt brings one into closer contact with the music than he did in his Danish performances and conveys much of its power and, in the finale, humour.

Both these new performances are recommended, though you should not miss hearing the Schmidt. Unicorn-Kanchana should reissue it separately, coupled, as it is in the complete set, with his fine account of the Fifth.

Average customer rating:

A Very Solid Nielsen Symphony Cycle, But...

Nielsen: Complete Symphonies

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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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 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:

Carl Nielsen: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003EQJ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Carl Nielsen: Complete Symphonies (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Great interpretations of Nielsen's symphonies

Carl Nielsen: Complete Symphonies (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Marco Polo
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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ASIN: B00006463K
Release Date: 2002-07-16

Tracks:

Allegro Espansivo
Andante Pastorale
Allegretto Un Poco
Finale: Allegro
Allegro Collerico
Allegro Comodo E Flemmatico
Andante Malincolico
Allegro Sanguineo

Tracks:

Allegro Orgoglioso
Andante
Allegro Comodo - Andante Sostenuto - Tempo I
Finale: Allegro Con Fuoco
Tempo Giusto
Humoresque - Allegretto
Proposta Seria - Adagio
Theme And Variations - Var. 1 - Var 2. Allegretto Quasi Andantino - Var 3. Piu Vivo - Var 4. - Var. 5 Brioso - Var. 6 Tempo Di Valse - Var. 7 - Var. 8 Molto Adagio - Var. 9: Tempo Di Tema (Allegretto Un Poco) - Fanfare

Tracks:

Allegro
Poco Allegretto (8 Bars After Tempo Marking)
Poco Adagio Quasi Andante
Con Anima - Allegro
I Tempo Giusto -
Adagio
II Allegro
Presto
Andante Poco Tranquillo
Allegro (Tempo I)

Customer Reviews:

Great interpretations of Nielsen's symphonies.......2004-08-16

Here we have one of the finest Nielsen symphony cycles that ever have appeared on record: Michael Schönwandt is conducting Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra. So what we hear is a Danish orchestra conducted by a Danish conductor familiar with Nielsen's music. The orchestral playing is not in the same stylish class as, say, San Francisco SO for Blomstedt, but the Danes play this music with an unmatched passion and integrity. Moreover, the recording quality is outstanding, with all frequencies in natural balance, and the departments of the orchestra are spaciously positioned.

The set is very even, musically and sonically, but I appreciate the takes of the second and sixth symphonies most of all.

Prospective buyers should however consider Ole Schmidt's bargain set on Regis as the first choice, which boasts fine recordings of legendary interpretations.

Carl Nielsen: Complete Symphonies 1-6 - London Symphony Orchestra / Ole Schmidt

Average customer rating:

A must have
Excellent Complete Set In Stereo

Carl Nielsen: Complete Symphonies 1-6 - London Symphony Orchestra / Ole Schmidt

Manufacturer: Regis Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000V86IW
Release Date: 2003-10-13

Album Description

Carl Nielsen (1865-1931)

Complete Symphonies 1-6

London Symphony Orchestra
Ole Schmidt, conductor

Customer Reviews:

A must have.......2005-02-15

Originally a highly praised vinyl set in the early seventies (1974), these superb takes have now been reincarnated and remastered on CD.

The legendary Nielsen conductor Thomas Jensen was Ole Schmidt's mentor. This set is a legacy of that grand interpretative tradition. But in contrast to the historic performances, these recordings are all in state of the art stereo sound. Further, London Symphony Orchestra was at its very peak at the time of the recording.

Thus it is not to surprise that Schmidt's accounts of Nielsen's masterpieces - the fourth and fifth symphonies - are resolved in tremendous power and rhythmical concentration. These interpretations are indeed seminal and deeply moving. But the set as a whole is consistently as fine. For example, Schmidt's take of the sixth is a real gem.

Comparing with other fine, more recent stereo sets (in digital recordings), for example Blomstedt (Decca) and Schonwandt (Da Capo), I do not think that the sheer vitality and superb interpretative grasp of Schmidt's accounts have been surpassed.

This is definitively the set to have (even if you already have a Nielsen set).

Excellent Complete Set In Stereo.......2004-07-19

I can heartily recommend this well-recorded and well-played set of Nielsen's six symphonies to those of you who, like me, find the earlier Danish recordings the most compelling interpretively, but who would like to have a decent alternative in contemporary sound.

My favorite performances - I regard them as the benchmarks against which all others are judged - are Jensen's #2 and Grondahl's #4 (Dutton 4001), Jensen's #1 and #5 (Dutton 2502), and Tuxen's #3 (coupled with his fine 5th on Dutton 1207). Other fine historic performances (all "live" except for Jensen's superb studio 6th) can be found in Danacord 351-351, a 3-disc set that has Tuxen in #1 and #5, Grondahl in #2, and Jensen in #3, 4 and 6.

Among stereo alternatives, Stokowski left an excellent #2 and a superlative #6, both in live performances with the Danish State Radio Orchestra (on IMG/EMI 75480 and BBC 4059, respectively). The great Martinon/Chicago 4th was on RCA LP and is WAY overdue for a CD re-issue.

Schmidt's performances may not reach the heights of those listed above, but they are solidly inflected and highly idiomatic (Schmidt was mentored by Jensen). I certainly prefer his readings of #3-5 to those by Schonwandt, Leaper, Blomstedt and Bostock. And Regis has done a top-notch job in re-mastering the original analog recordings (formerly on Unicorn).

Tracks:

I. Allegro Orgoglioso
II. Andante
III. Allegro Comodo-Andante Sostenuto-Tempo I
IV. Finale. Allegro Con Fuoco
I. Allegro Collerico
II. Allegro Comodo E Flammatico
III. Andante Malincolico
IV. Allegro Sanguineo

Tracks:

I. Allegro Espansivo
II. Andante Pastorale
III. Allegretto Un Poco - Soile Isokoski
IV. Finale. Allegro - Soile Isokoski
I. Allegro
II. Poco Allegretto (8 Bars After Tempo Marking)
III. Poco Adagio Quasi Andante
IV. Allegro

Tracks:

I. Tempo Giusto
Adagio Non Troppo
II. Allegro-Un Poco Piu Mosso
Presto
Andante Un Poco Tranquillo
Allegro (Tempo I)
I. Tempo Giusto-Allegro Passionato-Lento, Ma Non Troppo-Tempo I-Piu Lento
II. Humoreske: Allegretto
III. Proposta Seria: Adagio
IV. Tema Con Variazioni: Allegro-Tema: Allegretto Un Poco-Var.1-Var.II: Allegretto Quasi Andantino-Var.III: Piu Vivo-Var.IV-Var.V:Brioso-Var. VI: Tempo Di Valse-Var. VII-Var. VIII: Molto Adagio-VarIX: Tempo Di Tema (Allegretto Un Poco)-Fanfare

Customer Reviews:

Jarvi doesn't find the depths of this music, but the surface is often brilliant.......2006-06-22

This cycle of Nielsen symphonies is a partial crossover from the Bis label, not a remake. The connection with Bis assures that the sonics given to the Gothenburg Sym. will be excellent, and the clarity of the wind playing, the inner detail and clean dynamics are a big plus. Jarvi isn't especially tuned in to the mystery and tragedy of Nielsen's later works. He zips too quickly through the first movement of the Fifth, missing its combination of anguish and chaos. He isn't expansive or joyous enough in Sym. #3, even though the subtitle is 'Espansiva.'

Where Jarvi shines is in visceral excitement, and since Sym. #4 'The Inextinguishable' contains more thrills than any ohter, his reading is glavanic--the various eruptions of percussion and the famous duel between two timpanists couldn't be more dramatic. I think it also helps that the Gothenburg orchestra isn't large by philharmonic standards--the lean textures Jarvi gets sound more correct than, say, Karajan's famous readinng of the Fourth with the Berlin Phil.

Still, there are seven complete Nielsen cycles on the market, and if a buyer picks and chooses, greater performances can be had than any here. I would begin with Bernstein's incomparable Sym. #3 and #5, Salonen's #4, Stokowski's live #6, and the two early symphonies with Blomstedt, in spectcular sound from San Francisco. Jarvi should be kept in mind mainly for the dashing energy he works up in Sym. #4 and #6.

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Songs To Blather By

Nielsen: String Quartets Vol 1 / Oslo String Quartet

Semi-True Stories

Really I Do

Smart

Ses Plus Grands Succès [Import]

Progressive House Ep V.1 [CD-single] [Import]

Music from Estonia

Too Late to Cry