Nielsen (1865-1931) - Symphonies Nos.1, 6 : C.Davis / London Symphony Orchestra (Hybrid) - Import SACD Hybrid

Credits:

Claudio Monteverdi

Description:

The Nielsen Series by master conductor Colin Davis and the LSO is the most comprehensive and intimate yet. More than a year after the highly acclaimed Symphonies No. 1 and No. 6 "Immortal" and No. 5, the LSO, under the direction of master conductor Colin Davis, continues the Nielsen series with a new installment. This time, Nielsen's first and last symphonies, written more than 30 years apart, are coupled with No. 1 and No. 6, which share the same classic four-movement form. The First Symphony, composed between 1891 and 1992, when Nielsen was in his mid-20s, shows the influence of Dvořák, especially Brahms, in its structure and orchestral style, perhaps reflecting his experience as a second violinist in the Royal Danish Theatre Orchestra. At the same time, there are already signs of the progressive tonality that has come to be known as a characteristic of Nielsen's music.The LSO brass section is in full force here, with the trombones and horns playing a major role in the beautiful, pastoral middle movement, in addition to the rough-hewn but intensely youthful two-movement section. Symphony No. 6, completed in 1925, six years before Nielsen's death, is a work whose subtitle suggests a "concise character," but this is by no means the case, reminding us of the nature of the work that was created after Symphonies No. 4 and 5. The complex fugue in the third movement, the elaborate finale of variations, and the limited use of orchestral instruments, such as in the second movement where the strings are silent, are also characteristic. In addition, the work exudes a cynical and humorous flavor, which is an indication of Nielsen's unique situation and the fact that this work is a symphony of the 20th century.The key to Davis' success with Nielsen's sometimes bewildering music is that he does not try to impose himself too much on Nielsen's music. Rather, the emphasis is on making the details as obvious as possible and letting the overall form emerge naturally." The Guardian, May 29, 2011 [Symphony No. 6] Under Davis, who is still going strong as the years go by, and who has the utmost respect and trust in the master, the LSO's performance is particularly impressive for its earnest approach and fullness of sound, as was the case with the Sibelius by the same lineup. As in the case of the Sibelius cycle by the same musicians, the high-quality recording of the LSO's performance is enough to make one feel that another strong recording of Nielsen's complete symphonies is on the way. King International

Tracklisting:

1.Symphony No. 1: Andante orgoglioso
2.Symphony No. 1: Andante
3.Symphony No. 1: Allegro comodo - Andante sostenuto - Tempo 1
4.Symphony No. 1: Finale. Allegro con fuoco
5.Symphony No. 6 'Sinfonia semplice': Tempo giusto
6.Symphony No. 6 'Sinfonia semplice': Humoreske: Allegretto
7.Symphony No. 6 'Sinfonia semplice': Proposta seria: Adagio
8.Symphony No. 6 'Sinfonia semplice': Tema con variazioni: Allegro