Carl Nielsen: Symphony No.3

1. Symphony No. 3, Op 27/FS 60 "Sinfonia espansiva"
Composed by Carl Nielsen
Performed by Odense Symphony Orchestra with Lars Thodberg Bertelsen , Eva Hess Thaysen
Conducted by Edward Serov

2. Andante tranquillamento for string quartet in B flat major
Composed by Carl Nielsen
Performed by Odense Symphony Orchestra with Lars Thodberg Bertelsen , Eva Hess Thaysen
Conducted by Edward Serov

3. Scherzo for string quartet in D minor
Composed by Carl Nielsen
Performed by Odense Symphony Orchestra with Lars Thodberg Bertelsen , Eva Hess Thaysen
Conducted by Edward Serov

4. Maskarade, comic opera, FS39
Composed by Carl Nielsen
Performed by Odense Symphony Orchestra with Lars Thodberg Bertelsen , Eva Hess Thaysen
Conducted by Edward Serov

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 3 & 5
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

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Ludwig Thuille: Symphony; Piano Concerto

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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.

Customer Reviews:

Good for what it is, however narrow........2006-11-09

The Absolute Sound has been a premiere audiophile rag for decades. If you are one, you already know them. If not, then there is only a small chance their magazine will be useful to you. They have another publication for home theatre, "Perfect Vision" which has far broader appeal these days. SACD is the format for this disk. Many of them are pressed in "hybrid" for use on conventional CD players. SACD is a significant improvement on the CD, which initially promised "perfect sound forever".

Telarc is a particularly high quality label that supports SACD. They have a fine list of recordings that extends far beyond these chestnuts.

To appreciate this improvement you need to have a SACD player. So the best use of this disk is to bring it with you to different audio stores to audition their equipment. Over time it functions as a reference disk, or benchmark, as you compare different sound systems.

Because it has only bleeding hunks of well known classical music, it has little other value unless you are interested in classical music but have little experience of it. In that case it may serve as a sampler to lead you to buy complete recordings of these selections. But again you need the SACD player, which you may already have if you are a jazz or rock audiophile. Otherwise, pass it by.

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:

Evocative Classical Masterworks Meld Nicely for the Scenic Open Road

Pacific Coast Highway

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Blue Ridge Parkway
Autobahn
Route 66
Serenity (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B0009OUB1A
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Tracks:

Symphony No. 6 - Pastoral (I. Awakening Of Cheerful Feelings Upon Arrival In The Country) - Cleveland Orchestra
From Holberg's Time Suite, Op. 40 (I. Prelude) - London Festival Orchestra
Symphony No. 2, Op. 43 (I. Allegretto) - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 2 - Mysterious Mountain (I. Andante Con Moto) - London Symphony Orchestra
Concierto De Aranjuez (Adagio) - David Burgess
Javelin - Boston Pops Orchestra
Symphony No. 3 - Sinfonia Espansiva (II. Andante Pastorale) - Olle Persson
Symphony No. 5, Op. 82 (III. Allegro Molto) - London Symphony Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Evocative Classical Masterworks Meld Nicely for the Scenic Open Road.......2006-09-20

I'm all for repackaging great music under the guise of something more digestible to the general public. That's why Sony Classical's Drive Time series is an intriguing marketing idea which groups classical pieces of a similar subgenre using a world-renowned roadway as the unifying theme. This one uses the Pacific Coast Highway as the constant imagery, and Gilbert Hetherwick (credited with the concept) and reissue producer Richard King have chosen pieces that have a pastoral, often Nordic feeling to them. Various world-class orchestras from London to the Boston Pops play the pieces impeccably under the batons of Lorin Maazel, John Williams and Sir Colin Davis among others.

The program opens appropriately with Beethoven's pastoral Symphony #6 (1808), which was actually subtitled "Recollections of Country Life", a stunning melding of woodwinds and strings somewhat similar in tone to Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons". Then we get music from a brethren of Scandinavian masters. Finnish composer Jean Sibelius is well represented here with two pieces from his symphonies, the introductory Allegretto movement of #2 (1902) and the concluding Allegro Molto movement of #5 (1915), both of which show a strong sense of his dramatic use of folk melodies. There is the famous "Holberg's Time Suite" (1869) by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg with its fanciful opening flourish, as well as Danish composer Carl Nielsen's Symphony #3 (1911), which works beautifully within the sonata form.

There are three modern pieces, tonally compatible with the other compositions - Joaquín Rodrigo's beautiful piece for classical guitar and orchestra, "Concierto de Aranjuez" (1939) - my personal favorite of the entire disc, Alan Hovhaness' contemplative 1955 "Mysterious Mountain" (Symphony #2), and Michael Torke's exciting "Javelin" composed for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. All together, this is well over an hour of splendid music, and to Sony's credit, they do evoke the fog and cold breezes coming from the Pacific. Marketed as "specially mastered for the car audio experience", it is well worth keeping in your car CD case. Other CDs in this series include Route 66, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Autobahn.

Average customer rating:

Discover the Symphony

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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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

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Salonen's Natural Affinity for the Symphonies of Carl Nielsen
The best Nielsen 3rd ever?
That Powerful Nordic Touch
Pure, and Faithful to the Score

Nielsen: Symphony No3; Symphony No6

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Nielsen: Symphony No4; Helios Op17

ASIN: B0000027A0
Release Date: 1991-09-06

Tracks:

Symphony No.3, Op.27 'Sinfonia espansiva': I. Allegro espansiva
Symphony No.3, Op.27 'Sinfonia espansiva': II. Andante pastorale
Symphony No.3, Op.27 'Sinfonia espansiva': III. Allegretto un poco
Symphony No.3, Op.27 'Sinfonia espansiva': IV. Finale: Allegro
Symphony No.6 'Sinfonia semplice': I. Tempo giusto
Symphony No.6 'Sinfonia semplice': II. Humoreske: Allegretto
Symphony No.6 'Sinfonia semplice': III. Proposta seria: Adagio
Symphony No.6 'Sinfonia semplice': IV. Tema con variazioni: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Salonen's Natural Affinity for the Symphonies of Carl Nielsen.......2006-01-25

If there has ever been a more satisfying recording of Nielsen's exquisitely beautiful 'Sinfonia espansiva' (Symphony No. 3) this listener has yet to hear it. Salonen finds all the irrepressible drive in the first movement and follows that with the most introspective and meditative Andante pastorale movements imaginable. The soloists (soprano Pia-Maria Nilsson and baritone Olle Persson) who intone the wordless melismatas have just the right amount of organic inclusion in the orchestral fabric to make the voice simply another orchestral instrument. The final two movements are equally well conveyed: Salonen never rushes the tempi and allows each idea to emerge and develop with care. The majesty of the Finale is royal and stately (there is a bit of the Elgar sound here...) and contains many of the compositional methods that were to mature in the final three symphonies.

Sensitively coupled with the Third Symphony is Nielsen's final symphony, the Symphony No. 6 'Sinfonia semplice'. In great contrast to the Romantic 3rd, the 6th returns to a neo-classical vein. In his words, Nielsen wanted his final symphony to be created in 'the same simple delight in pure sound as the a cappella composers'. Salonen plays this sparkling work with amazing attention to detail while always keeping each movement with a keen arching form.

The orchestra is the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and the sound is excellent. This orchestra is not only polished but also very attentive to Salonen's vision of these symphonies. As fine as these recordings are it is gratifying to report that subsequent performances in the concert hall have shown the constant musical maturity of this exceptional conductor. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, January 06

The best Nielsen 3rd ever?.......2006-01-03

I happened to hear this Nielsen 3rd on KUSC not long ago and ordered it immediately. If Salonen's isn't the best performance ever, it's certainly the best one I've ever heard. And the 6th is just as good. Sony is nuts to have ever let this go out of print. Highly recommended!

That Powerful Nordic Touch.......2002-03-26

Salonen does an exceptional job of allowing Nielsen's amazingly stark music to shine in all its cold, icy power. He knows his subject, has control of his orchestra (something few practicing conductors today seem to possess) and knows how to use them. The result is a performance to remember.

Pure, and Faithful to the Score.......2001-07-24

Esa-Pekka Salonen brings us a modernistic and literal reading of these great symponies (3&6). Not in evidence here is the sentimentality and bloatedness that the 'star' conductors sometimes re-compose into Nielsen's works. If you love these works please try these versions.

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The Music of Scandinavia

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000DSF4
Release Date: 1992-07-14

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Autobahn

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Route 66
Pacific Coast Highway
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ASIN: B0009OUB10
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Tracks:

William Tell Overture - London Symphony Orchestra
Ride Of The Valkeries - From Die Walkure - New York Philharmonic
Fanfare - From Mad Max; Beyond Thunderdome - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sabre Dance - From Gayane - Andre Kostelanetz
Prelude To Act III Of Lohengrin - Boston Pops Orchestra
Friska From Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 - Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Quartet In G Minor, Op. 25 (IV. Rondo Alla Zingarese) - Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Procession For Pleasure, Op. 281 - Ensemble Wien-Berlin
Danse Bacchanale - From Samson Et Dalila - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Danse Generale - From Daphnis Et Chloe, Suite No. 2 - Camerata Singers
African Dance - From Aladdin Suite - Swedish Radio Chorus
Symphony No. 9 Choral (II. Molto Vivace) - English Chamber Orchestra
Intrada - From Glagolitic Mass - London Symphony Orchestra
Symphonic Metamorphoses On Themes Of Carl Maria Von Weber (IV. Marsch) - Los Angeles Philharmonic
Symphony No. 3 - Organ Symphony (IV. Maestoso) - Anthony Newman
1812 Overture, Op. 49 (Finale) - Chicago Symphony Orchestra

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.

Myung-Whun Chung also offers a wonderful set on the Finnish BIS label. It is more expensive, but it includes better performances of the symphonies, along with all three Nielsen concertos. I would go to Blomstedt (especially) or Chung, rather than to Thomson, for these works!

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Are You a Boy Or Are You a Girl [Import]

Fauré: Requiem & Choral Favorites - Westminster Cathedral - David Hill

Deep in the Night

Acoustic Painting

Rock Music rock-music-60

FacePlant [Explicit Lyrics]

Feels Like Rain

D'India: Songs

Flyin' Shoes

Corazones Al Limite [Soundtrack]

Emo

For a Few Hookers More

Fade II Black, Vol. 3 [Import]

Ian Bostridge - Schubert Lieder, Volume I

Look Into the Future