Carl Nielsen : The Danish Symphonist

This set is such an outstanding bargain, it is worth adding to one's collection even if one already owns multiple versions of the works it contains. Bostock's cycle of Nielsen symphonies, shorter orchestral pieces and concertos was originally issued by the Classico label (now defunct?), and probably didn't get the attention by critics that they deserved. They are all first-rate performances, a bit rough around the edges perhaps, but none the worse for that (better to sacrifice perfection of execution to passion in Nielsen, than the other way around). Bostock's *Espansiva* is as fine as any in the catalog, and better than most. Among the versions I know, only Bernstein and Chung surpass it, though I don't particularly like the way the two wordless vocal soloists are positioned in relation to the orchestra in the second movement. Nor do they distil quite the magic needed for this Garden-of-Eden Idyll. The *Inextinguishable* and no. 5 are both outstanding performances; that vital current so essential in Nielsen is always in evidence. I am perhaps less taken with Bostok's *Four Temperaments* and no. 1. For one thing, the recording is more distant seeming in these works, and some important detail gets covered up as a result (a problem also in no. 5, second movement). Bostok's take on the First is fairly easy-going; fine for a work that is mostly lyrical in conception, though I do want more incisive attacks than Bostok provides in this symphony. No. 2, on the other hand, has plenty of incisive attacks, but is rather too aggressive in approach, and the "Malincolico" slow movement doesn't plumb the depths (or seize the listener) quite as effectively as Bernstein in his NY Philharmonic recording. Bostock makes as persuasive a case for the enigmatic no. 6 as I have heard; the satirical element is much in evidence, as it must be.My criticisms are in truth mostly minor ones. Anyone coming to the Nielsen Symphonies for the first time will probably be blown away by the intensity and conviction of Bostock's renditions; and the Liverpudlians are with him every step of the way. As another reviewer has opined, the wind and brass playing of this ensemble are particularly impressive. The strings marginally less so (though they sing out superbly in the slow movement of no. 4).The shorter orchestral pieces (some of them quite rare) and concertos are generally well performed and recorded. For the wind concertos and the works for string orchestra, Bostock leads a crack ensemble from the Czech Republic. The Flute Concerto is splendidly done; the soloist plays with a mellifluous tone that falls sweetly on the ear. The Violin and Clarinet Concertos are well enough played and have plenty of character, though Bostock's soloists don't quite displace the competition (e.g., Lin and Kang in the Violin Concerto, Drucker in the Clarinet Concerto). Among the shorter orchestral pieces, *Helios* fares best: a terrific performance that will lift you to the skies. The string-orchestra works receive neat, well-tuned renditions from Bostock's Czech forces, though this chamber-sized group sounds a bit thin at times. I would have preferred a more opulent sound.The two major chamber works included (Wind Quintet, Violin Sonata no. 1) are unevenly matched. The Quintet is crisply and sensitively done, while the Sonata--a sublime masterpiece that remains one of Nielsen's most underrated works--is given a relatively uninspired reading with a poorly balanced recording that accounts, least in part, for the violinist's squeaky tone and the reticent-sounding piano. Anne Øland plays a generous selection of piano pieces, many of them surprisingly modernistic in style, with keen discernment and formidable virtuosity. I find it difficult to evaluate the efforts of baritone soloist,Ulrich Cold in the songs, since I have no standard of comparison, and no texts or translations are provided. However, I can vouch for the fact that he has a pleasant voice and sings expressively, though it would be nice to know what he's singing about! The songs seem to be arranged in a particular order; the first group appear to be folksong settings some with a patriotic flavor (I have a sufficiently rudimentary knowledge of Danish to discern this much). Subsequent groups fall more into the idiom of art-songs; some sound vaguely like Brahms, others bear the stamp of Nielsen's distinctive harmonic language, and manifest the distinctive shape of his melodic lines. All are pleasant, and some are quite beautiful indeed.In the end, the strengths of this compilation sufficiently outweigh any weaknesses (of performance, recording, or presentation) to warrant a strong recommendation. Bostock's renditions of the orchestral works are, in the main, hugely satisfying. The concertos and chamber works are more variable; but given the price range, it would be idle to complain! Nielsen is one of the 20th Century's greatest composers, though still in many ways under-appreciated, and every music lover needs a comprehensive representation of his output in their collection. This set fills the bill nicely.

These are wonderful recordings. In case you are curious about Nielsen's compositions there could be no better opportunity to explore them in an affordable fashion (third party prices are very low). The sound is very good. I understand that Bostock has received mixed reviews for these recordings but I certainly have enjoyed listening to them. I get a sense of that Nielsen's symphonies will grow on me over time.CD 1-4 Symphonies Nos. 1-6 - Aladdin Suite - Symphonic Rhapsody - Overture"Helios" - Cupid and the Poet: Orchestral Suite - Paraphase on "Nearer, my God, to Thee"Eva Hess-Thaysen (soprano), Jan Lund (tenor), Nicholas Cox (clarinet), Kevin Price(trombone), Graham Johns (side drum), Jonathan Aasgaard (cello), Royal LiverpoolPhilharmonic Orchestra, Douglas Bostock (1999-2001, 2003)CD 5 Flute Concerto - Pan and Syrinx - Works for String OrchestraRune Most (flute), The Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice, Royal LiverpoolPhilharmonic Orchestra, Douglas Bostock (2001, 2005)CD 6 Violin Concerto - Romance for Violin and Orchestra - Violin Sonata No. 1Malcolm Stewart (violin), Johannes Søe Hansen (violin), Frank Jarlsfelt (piano),Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Douglas Bostock (1994, 2003)CD 7 Clarinet Concerto - Wind Quintet - Serenata in vanoJohn Kruse (clarinet), Cecile Boiffin (side drum), Scandinavian Chamber Players,The Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice, Douglas Bostock (1996)CD 8+9 Five Piano Pieces - Symphonic Suite - Humoresque Bagatelles - FestivePrelude - Drømmen om "Glade Jul" (The Dream of "Silent Night") - Chaconne - ThemeWith Variations - Suite - Three Piano Pieces - Piano Music for Children and AdultsAnne Øland (piano) (1992-1993)CD 10 Music Set to Five Poems by J. P. Jacobsen - Six Songs Set to Texts by LudvigHolstein and other liederUlrik Cold (bass), Johannes Mikkelsen (piano) (1980, 1982)

Douglas Bostock and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic turn in rousing performances of Nielsen's six symphonies. The numerous incidental suites are wonderful as well. Three concertos are less succesful. The flute concerto has the Sylvan toned flautist who might do better with a few more caloric lungfuls of wind and closer miking next time he essays this work.He is Scandinavian, presumably Danish, and his stylings come through as idiomatic. The violin concerto is another matter. This was the composer's instrument: beautifully rendered it is never entirely convincing. A clarinet concerto is well done. Leonard Bernstein recorded the best versions of all sixty years ago. Also included are GrIeg likr piano pieces. All in all a good buy but not a first choice.

While none of the performances here are my favorites, they are really very good, and the sound is very good as well. And the price simply can't be beaten. There is no descriptive booklet, but the works (except for the lieder - no translations) speak for themselves. If you are looking for good grounding in this exceptional composer, or a really nice gift, this is the set to buy - even if you can afford to pay much more. For most people (even fairly serious collectors), this is all the Nielsen they will ever need. If you are new to Nielsen, you are in for an exceptional treat. Haydn alone has a better sense of humor. Nielsen's 6th Symphony (in my opinion) is one of the most telling commentaries on the stuffiness and silliness of modern music. A great, great bargain! Buy it!

Uno de los mejores álbumes de los últimos tiempos. Versiones modernas sensacionales de unas obras que aquí resultan todavía más brillantes. Para los amantes de Nielsen, claro, pero más allá para cualquier persona con sensibilidad musical

There are better perfomances of some of these works and the orchestra on the symphonies is arguably not as good as those on other available recordings. Nevertheless, some of the performances are very worthy and to have all of this repertoire in one box at such an economical price is phenomenal.

Je ne connaissait de Nielsen que le nom; J'ai donc acheté ce coffret, attiré par un prix très compétitif, sans savoir si cette musique me séduirait, et je ne le regrette pas. Ce coffret, qui présente des oeuvres majeures de ce compositeur (intégrale des symphonies et des concertos, musique pour piano, quintette pour instruments à vents ...), permet de suivre son évolution , depuis le post-romantisme jusqu' a des audaces proches des grands compositeurs du 20eme siècle, en restant tout de même toujours dans une musicalité plus accessible que Schoenberg . Beaucoup de ces oeuvres me paraissent dignes du plus grand intérêt (dernières symphonies, concertos pour flute ou clarinette ...), et aucune n'est médiocre. Je ne comprend vraiment pas pourquoi il reste aussi inconnu chez nous.Deux remarques s'imposent cependant: la 1ere est qu'il ne s'agit nullement d'une intégrale. manquent les quatuors, la 2eme sonate pour violon, la musique chorale, les opéras . Si, comme moi, vous désirez poursuivre l'exploration, des cd sont disponibles, j'ai choisi les quatuors chez Naxos,le musique de chambre chez Dacepo, et la musique chorale chez Chandos.La 2eme remarque concerne l'absence de livret (compréhensible vu le prix), et l'absence d'indications sur les dates des compositions. Du coup il est difficile des se repérer dans la chronologie, et je me suis donc procuré une biographie permettant de se repérer; j'ai choisi celle de JL Caron publiée chez 'l'age d'homme', j'en dis quelques mots.Enfin je termine en parlant des interprétations : je n'ai aucun point de comparaison, elles me semblent bonnes, et la prise de son est très satisfaisante. J'engage donc ceux et celles qui s'intéressent à la musique du début du 20eme siècle et qui ne connaissent pas Nielsen à se procurer ce beau coffret.

El autor danès no es "mi taza de té".Aún así considero este álbum muy valioso. Las interpretaciones, en general, rayan a gran altura. Mi problema es que su música no me entra como la de otros compositores La veo efectista y bastante "peliculera". Entiendo que haya gente que le entusiasme o enerve por su intensidad o potencia, pero no es mi caso. La oigo un poco "desde fuera".Algo de lo mismo me pasa con la música de Poulenc. De todas formas esta es una gran colección y si hay que tener algo de este compositor, este álbum es perfecto. Ofrece un repaso importante por su obra con interpretaciones muy buenas y sonido excelente.. Estoy contento con la compra. .. Por eso, una estrella menos. Eso, en mi caso. Imagínate si no es el tuyo... y te gusta la música de Nielsen.

Excellente édition pour connaître l'ensemble de l'œuvre de Carl Nielsen.