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)