Nielsen: Symphonies Nos 1 and 6 – London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
This is the second release in Sir Colin Davis’s acclaimed Nielsen cycle. Nielsen’s First Symphony draws inspiration from Brahms and Dvorák but also contains hints of the progressive tonality for which he soon became celebrated. His enigmatic final symphony, entitled Sinfonia semplice (Simple Symphony), suggesting a work of ‘entirely idyllic character’, turns out to be anything but this. Though written thirty years apart, the two works feature folk inflections, tonal ambiguity, and Nielsen’s distinctive anti-romantic style.
‘Davis and the LSO triumph in this recording… In this gripping performance, [Symphony No. 6] emerges as one of the 20th century’s most beguilingly original works.’
‘CD of the Week’, The Sunday Times
‘Those who enjoyed the first issue in this Nielsen cycle will certainly not be disappointed with this one.’
SA-CD.net (UK)
***** John Sunier - Audiophile Auditions.com - 14 February 2012
**** (Good)
Alain Steffen - Pizzicato magazine - June 2012
CD of the Week "Davis and the LSO triumph in this recording ... In this gripping performance, it [Symphony No 6] emerges as one of the 20th century’s most beguilingly original works"
The Sunday Times
"...Those who enjoyed the first issue in this Nielsen cycle will certainly not be disappointed with this one. One eagerly awaits Davis’s accounts of Symphonies 2 & 3 that are due to be issued later this year ... Davis brings a prodigious amount of bracing energy both to the symphony’s [Symphony No 1] Scherzo and the Finale, whose triumphnt C major endling could hardly be delivered with more exhilaration ... Colin Davis and the LSO rise to the challenge of this strange and puzzling symphony [Symphony No 6] with a convincingly thoughtful performance."
"...Sir Colin Davis and the SO do both pieces proud, which has been captured in vivid and tangible sound..."
Time Out (UK)
"...This second CD lives up to the high standard set by its predecessor..."
The Financial TImes
