Nielsen: Symphonies Nos 4 & 5 / Davis

Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Orchestra

Nielsen: Symphonies Nos 4 & 5

Gramophone Editor's Choice - April 2011
Despite having been an admirer of the music of Danish composer Carl Nielsen for many years, Sir Colin Davis has rarely conducted any of his works. Now, at the age of 83, Sir Colin embarks on a complete cycle of the composer's symphonies.
Although Carl Nielsen is often compared to his near-contemporary Jean Sibelius, each composer's music is highly individual. Both were celebrated symphonists but used the potential of an orchestra in different ways. Despite giving titles to the majority of his symphonies, Nielsen was often vague about the specific themes for each work. However, his music is always direct, dynamic and lyrical.
Sir Colin's traversal of the symphonies began in concert in 2009. He will conduct the remaining symphonies in 2011 with two further LSO Live releases following in 2012.
LSO Live has recently released Sir Colin's recording of Verdi's Otello to international acclaim. His other forthcoming releases include Haydn's The Seasons. Other recent LSO Live titles include music by Ravel conducted by Valery Gergiev. Mahler's Symphony No 5 will be released in February 2011, the eighth title in Gergiev's award winning Mahler cycle.

Concert reviews
'superb and highly energised, as the music demands'
Sunday Times (UK)
'Nielsen's music could have been written for the LSO: the orchestra's robust sound and free-spirited temperament suit this symphony's virtuoso demands and visceral dynamism. Davis, too, is attuned to Nielsen's brand of Beethovenian conflict. Davis conducted it with the vitality of someone worthy of the symphony's title, the "Inextinguishable"'
Financial Times (UK)
'this account of the "Inextinguishable" confirmed he and the LSO have something special to offer ... he produced an account of fabulous coherence'
The Guardian (UK)
'Forget old dogs and new tricks, clearly it's never too late to embark upon a new repertoire strand ... this was an auspicious start. I reckon the maestro shed 40 years during this performance'
The Independent (UK)
'Davis's dramatic flair ensured a battle royal. He did a handsome job'
The Times (UK)

Price: $17.98