Michael Schonwandt

Track Listings

1. Sym No.3, FS 60, Op.27 Sinf Espansiva: Allegro Espansivo

2. Sym No.3, FS 60, Op.27 Sinf Espansiva: Andante Pastorale - Inger Dam-Jensen/Poul Elming

3. Sym No.3, FS 60, Op.27 Sinf Espansiva: Allegretto Un Poco

4. Sym No.3, FS 60, Op.27 Sinf Espansiva: Finale: Allegro

5. Sym No.2, FS 29, Op.16 The Four Temperaments: Allegro Collerico

6. Sym No.2, FS 29, Op.16 The Four Temperaments: Allegro Comodo E Flemmatico

7. Sym No.2, FS 29, Op.16 The Four Temperaments: Andante Malincolico

8. Sym No.2, FS 29, Op.16 The Four Temperaments: Allegro Sanguineo

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.

Tracks:

I. Allegro Collerico
II. Allegro Comodo E Flemmatico
III. Andante Malincolico
IV. Allegro Sanguineo
I. Allegro
II. Poco Allegretto
III. Poco Adagio Quasi Andante
IV. Allegro

Amazon.com

Carl Nielsen and Jean Sibelius are the two greatest composers to have emerged from the Scandanavian countries in the 20th century. They both have a series of successful symphonies, all of which still exist on CD in many editions. These are two classic recordings done by Leonard Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic. Bernstein's take on these works are toward a stronger dynamism, especially in the opening gestures of each work. Some critics don't like this, but the Symphony 4 , The Inextinguishable, of 1916 needs it. It requires a powerful launch for the ideas that are to follow. Highly recommended. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

The Last of the Royal Editions.......2003-07-28

Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic's recordings of Nielsen's 2nd and 4th Symphonies is one of the last titles available in the classic Sony Royal Edition series. While many of these titles have been reissued in the Bernstein Century series, this one has not, which probably accounts for its current availability. These performances from the early 1970s (and the Royal Edition CD coupling Nielsen's 3rd and 5th Symphonies) have always impressed me, and they are comparable in quality to both of the well-respected Nielsen Symphony Cycles by Herbert Blomstedt. If you are interested in this title, I would move fast as most Bernstein Royal Edition titles are now out of print, and most likely this one will suffer the same fate shortly.

Average customer rating:

review by Roger Hecht, American Record Guide

Nielsen on Brass
Washington Symphonic Brass , and Carl Nielsen
Manufacturer: Summit(Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005OAEJ
Release Date: 2001-09-04

Tracks:

Allegro Espansivo
Andante Pastorale
Allegretto Un Poco
Finale: Allegro
No.3 in E
No.2 in E Major
No.10 in G Major
No.11 in G Major
No.16 in D Major
No.18 in C Major
No.22 in E Flat
No.28 in E Minor - C Major
No.23 in E Flat
Oriental Festival March
Aladdin's Dream And Dance Of The Morning Mists
Hindu Dance
Chinese Dance
The Market Place In Ispahan
Dance Of The Prisoners
African Dance

Customer Reviews:

review by Roger Hecht, American Record Guide.......2002-04-03

"That's right. Nielsen's Third symphony, the Espansiva complete,arranged by trumpeter Phil Snedecor for a brass ensemble of four each of trumpets, horns, and trombones, plus euphonium, tuba, organ, and percussion.
Because the piece is somewhat vertical with a lot of brass to begin with,it lends itself to this treatment." "Even so, this is no simple project. "The use of the organ is ingenious, from reed and brass stops to filling in textures to dramatic solo appearances."
"The arrangement is brilliant, and the performance is a knockout."
"The trumpets have the technique and the stamina to cope with these difficult string parts, and while this is not the first time I've heard a tuba and euphonium carry off low string parts, I'm impressed." "The organ is resplendent."
"Conductor Stevens (also principal trombonist of the NationalSymphony)catches the energy and spirit of the first movement without losing the spatial qualities of the second or the grandness of the fourth movement."
"It would be a sacrilege to say that this is not just a brass ensemble doing well with the Nielsen Third, but rather a terrific performance of
the Nielsen Third, period."
"That the symphony is the star of the program takes nothing away from the stirring organ chorales, arranged for organ and brass quintet by Stevens. The Aladdin incidental music (arranged by Snedecor) sounds haunting and intimate in this setting."

Average customer rating:

Discover the Symphony

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Discover the Classics 3: The Concerto
Discover the Classics, Vol. 2
The Best of Opera, Vol. 1
Discover the Classics
Discover Music of the Baroque Era

ASIN: B00000G2P7
Release Date: 1998-09-29

Tracks:

Allegro - City Of London Sinfonia
Allegro Di Molto - Yoon K. Lee
Allegro - New Zealand Chamber Orchestra
Menuetto: Allegretto - Capella Istropolitana
Molto Allegro - Capella Istropolitana
Finale: Allegro Assai Vivace: Alla Marcia - Claudio Otelli
Allegretto - Michael Halasz
Saltarello: Presto - National Symphony Orchestra Of Ireland
Poco Allegretto - Alexander Rahbari
March To The Scaffold - Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra
Scherzo: Bewegt - Royal Flanders Philharmonic Orchestra
Allegro Con Grazia - Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra

Tracks:

Allegretto Grazioso - Molto Vivace - Stephen Gunzenhauser
Presto - Imrich Szabo
Kraftig Bewegt, Doch Nicht Zu Schnell - Michael Halasz
Allegro Molto - BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Epilogue - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Scherzo - Adrian Leaper
Adagio - Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra
Allegro Sanguinoso - National Symphony Orchestra Of Ireland
Molto Vivace - Stephen Gunzenhauser
Allegretto - New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
Allegro - Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra

Average customer rating:

High-Octane Nielsen from Myung-Whun Chung

Nielsen: Symphony No2; Aladdin Op34

Manufacturer: Bis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000016AR
Release Date: 1994-09-22

Tracks:

Allegro Collerico
Allegro Comodo E Flemmatico
Andante Malinconio
Allegro Sanguineo
Orientalischer Festmarsch
Aladdins Tanz Und Tanz Der Morgennebel
Hindu - Tanz
Chinesischer Tanz Dance
Der Marketplatz In Ispahan
Tanz Der Gefangenen
Neger - Tanz

Customer Reviews:

High-Octane Nielsen from Myung-Whun Chung.......2006-05-03

Chung's approach to Nielsen is bold, brash, earthy, underlining the life-affirming nature of this most life-affirming of modern composers. A part of that brashness can be attributed to BIS's recording, which, like many from the first days of the digital era (this one's from 1983), has a certain fierceness in tutti passages. But then again, the sense of detail and realism in quieter sections (the low strings and timpani in the finale of the symphony, the tambourine and triangle in the music from "Aladdin") is just the kind of thing that woke listeners up to the possibilities of digital recording techniques. However, enough about the recording and back to Chung's approach here:

If bold colors and fiery allegros were all that Chung brought to the music, these performances could be dismissed as one-dimensional, but instead Chung imparts a sense of near-tragedy to the Andante malincolico third movement of the symphony that hints at the emotional depth Nielsen would be capable of in his later and greater symphonies. Altogether, then, I find Chung's just about the finest performance of the Second Symphony I've heard on disc, though Blomstedt's slightly less potent reading with the San Francisco Symphony is a close second to this Second.

The music to "Aladdin" is not just a make-weight but a substantial suite of intriguing, sometimes quirky, pieces designed as incidental music to a play by Danish writer Adam Oehlenschlager. If you don't know this strange yet beautiful concoction by Nielsen, Chung's performance is the most compelling I know, with a wildly exciting final dance--though the high point of the proceedings is the Prisoner's Dance, here played with heart-wrenching intensity.

Average customer rating:

A Very Solid Nielsen Symphony Cycle, But...

Nielsen: Complete Symphonies

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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:

Wake me when it's over...
Discover a Gem

Leif Ove Andsnes: A Portrait

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Horizons - Leif Ove Andsnes
Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2
Leif Ove Andsnes ~ Haydn - Piano Sonatas
Plays Bach & Mozart
Mozart: Piano Concertos #9 & 18 - Leif Ove Andsnes

ASIN: B00005QHVZ
Release Date: 2002-01-08

Tracks:

I. Allegro Molto Moderato
Pno Con in a, Op.16: II. Adagio
Pno Con in a, Op.16: III. Allegro Moderato Molto E Marcato - Andante Maestoso
Fant in C, Op.17: III. Langsam Getragen - Durchweg Leise Zu Halten
Mephisto-Walzer Nr.1, S.514: 'Der Tanz In Der Dorfschenke' (Lenau's 'Faust')
Intermezzo in B flat, Op.117 No.2
Pno Con in D, Hob.XVIII:11: I. Vivace
Pno Con in D, Hob.XVIII:11: II. Un Poco Adagio
Pno Con in D, Hob.XVIII:11: III. Rondo All'ungherese

Tracks:

Wedding Day At Troldhaugen, Op.65 No.6
Butterfly, Op.43 No.1
To Spring, Op.43 No.6
Humoreske-Bagateller, Op.11 Fs 22: I. Good Morning! Good Morning!
Humoreske-Bagateller, Op.11 Fs 22: II. Spinning Top
Humoreske-Bagateller, Op.11 Fs 22: III. A Little Slow Waltz
Humoreske-Bagateller, Op.11 Fs 22: IV. Jumping Jack
Humoreske-Bagateller, Op.11 Fs 22: V. Doll's March
Humoreske-Bagateller, Op.11 Fs 22: VI. Musical Clock
Fifty Folk Tunes From Hardanger, Op.150: III. A-Wooing
Fifty Folk Tunes From Hardanger, Op.150: XXVII. Langelik Tune
Fifty Folk Tunes From Hardanger, Op.150: XXXVII. The Long, Long Winter Night
Pictures From Nordland, Ste No.1 Op.5: II. The Little Stone God
Pictures From Nordland, Ste No.1 Op.5: III. Reindeer
Pictures From Nordland, Ste No.1 Op.5: IV. Towards The Mountains Of My Forefathers
Tunes And Dances From 'Siljustol: V. Book 2: Ballad Of Revolt, Op.22
'Son' 1.X.1905, From The Street: I. Presentiment (Con Moto)
'Son' 1.X.1905, From The Street: II. Death (Adagio)
Etude-Tableau in C, Op.33 No.2
Con in c, Op.35: I. Allegro Moderato - Allegro Vivace - Moderato -
Con in c, Op.35: II. Lento -
Con in c, Op.35: III. Moderato -
Con in c, Op.35: IV. Allegro Con Brio - Presto - Allegretto Poco Moderato - Allergro Con Brio
Pno Son in b, Hob.XVI:32: II. Menuet
Pno Son in b, Hob.XVI:32: III. Finale: Presto

Customer Reviews:

Wake me when it's over..........2005-08-03

Naida Cole. Leif Ove Andsnes. Yundi Li. Lang Lang. My neighbor's 17-year-old kid. Classical piano is getting more faceless than ever. Where are the big names, the people who play five bars and you say, "Why, that's....!" I can tell Arrau or Horowitz or Cziffra or Gilels in fifteen seconds. With the present pianist, I'm lucky if I'm still awake after fifteen seconds.

I don't get all the fuss about Andsnes. I really think most of today's classical "stars" are PR-driven creations. This one is, at any rate. He plays almost all the works in these two discs the same, with zero color, zero phrasing, zero individuality. The piano sounds pretty much the same, whether the work be Haydn or Shostakovich. (Listen to Glenn Gould playing works by Byrd, Gibbons and Sweelinck and hear how he manages to suggest the sonority of a harpsichord on a piano. Amazing!) Andsnes avoids contrasts, he avoids abrupt changes in tempo, he avoids inserting his personality into the works, he avoids finding personality--charm, irony, detachment, amusement, even just simple joy--in the works. Admittedly, some of the compositions here are so obscure I cannot really comment on them, because I've never heard them before, am unfamiliar with the composers and don't have comparisons for listening. But for the works that I have heard, you can get a more interesting Grieg Concerto by Zimerman/Karajan (But who'd want to? It's a pretty vapid piece.), a far better Haydn Concerto by Richter if you can find it (it's a shame this witty work--and believe me, in better hands it is witty and it's not amateurishly *rushed*--isn't better-known), a more charming Haydn B minor sonata by Ax--by AX, for crying out loud!, and with him you get the whole thing and not just the second and third movements--and a better Janacek sonata by Firkusny. A better Grieg Op. 43 No.1 can be found by Gilels. A better Brahms Intermezzo, the disc's biggest joke, can be found anywhere--try behind the sofa. The Rachmaninoff is one of the better moments--here, recordings by Demidenko, Horowitz and Rachmaninoff himself didn't exactly blow me away in comparison. (If I have others I can't find them right now.) The Shostakovich Trumpet thingie is surpassed by Jansons and the Berlin Philharmonic, for just one. Some of the smaller works I don't know, but if they have their Norwegian charm, Andsnes doesn't bring it out here. Listen to this disc, and you'll go away with the very popular myth that classical music is this ultra-polished, tidy stuff that's good to have on in your car for your morning commute when you can't get NPR. But you won't have the sound of a thinking pianist, or one who seems to understand the music he's playing.

Discover a Gem.......2003-02-26

The Wedding Day At Troldhaugen, Op.65 No.6 - Leif Ove Andsnes' playing is magical! This CD is an exceptional value! I have purchased this CD as a gift and have received positive reviews from the recipients as well!

Average customer rating:

Carl Nielsen: Symphonies 2 & 3

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000AV7
Release Date: 1994-09-20

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Through the Barricades [Import]

Adrienne Barbeau

Big City Blues

Primitive and Passionate/Les Baxter Balladeers

Subnoize Rats Compilation

AAIRBORN CHAPTER 1

An Acapella Christmas [Import]

Auréole Play Nielsen, Gubaidulina & Debussy

15 Super Bailables de Siempre

El Shaddai

That's Life I Guess

1. Sym No.3, FS 60, Op.27 Sinf Espansiva: Allegro Espansivo
2. Sym No.3, FS 60, Op.27 Sinf Espansiva: Andante Pastorale - Inger Dam-Jensen/Poul Elming
3. Sym No.3, FS 60, Op.27 Sinf Espansiva: Allegretto Un Poco
4. Sym No.3, FS 60, Op.27 Sinf Espansiva: Finale: Allegro
5. Sym No.2, FS 29, Op.16 The Four Temperaments: Allegro Collerico
6. Sym No.2, FS 29, Op.16 The Four Temperaments: Allegro Comodo E Flemmatico
7. Sym No.2, FS 29, Op.16 The Four Temperaments: Andante Malincolico
8. Sym No.2, FS 29, Op.16 The Four Temperaments: Allegro Sanguineo