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Post by jandl100 on May 3, 2019 8:53:57 GMT
They seem to be coming a bit fast over the plate this month, but I'm feeling a bit guilty over not giving MartinT something big and bold to get his teeth into. So I present for your delectation Carl Nielsen's 1st symphony. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_NielsenCarl August Nielsen (9 June 1865 – 3 October 1931) was a Danish musician, conductor and violinist, widely recognized as his country's most prominent composer. I must admit that I run a bit hot and cold with Nielsen, finding much of his music fairly irritating for some reason. But the 1st symphony is a real stunner imo. This recent BIS recording under Oramo is a great performance and also has stunning sq.  |
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Post by julesd68 on May 3, 2019 12:08:41 GMT
I must admit that I run a bit hot and cold with Nielsen, finding much of his music fairly irritating for some reason. I've always been more on the cold side myself re Nielsen - I don't have any in my vinyl or spoti collections! Looking forward to having another go. |
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Post by julesd68 on May 3, 2019 12:43:06 GMT
1st movement - ‘Allegro orgoglioso’ - first time I have heard that term!
Starts in a quite understated manner, with some romantic touches that remind me very much of Rach 3, which is of course a good thing …
Ratchets up the drama around 6 mins in, great brass, then back to calm … or so you think … it was a trick! Massive crescendos at 8’41, super stuff.
2nd - the themes in this movement are really quite complex indeed, love it. Certainly romantic, but rather enigmatic too; there’s a real depth to it.
Will definitely repay more listening …
3rd - the first 40 secs are most derivative of Khachaturian’s Adagio of Spartacus. The theme repeats 2 mins in and later … 3-25 has another very familiar symphonic motif but can’t place it just now … Around 5 mins in it starts to find its own feet. Nice to listen to but shame this movement doesn’t match the invention of the first two.
4th - doesn’t work for me, it’s pedestrian in comparison to the other movements, certainly not as enigmatic and engaging musically. ‘Con Fuoco’ so was expecting a bit more oomph; you get some but it’s really in fits and starts … A shame, as a more compelling climax would have really sealed the deal!
Thank you J - I voted 8 and very much enjoyed this overall, saved for a certain repeat performance.
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Post by jandl100 on May 3, 2019 14:38:57 GMT
It's a grower for me. I didn't think much of it to start with, but now I think it's a stunning symphony.
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Post by Slinger on May 3, 2019 14:51:27 GMT
The only version that I own is Sir Colin Davis' from the "LSO Live" series. Any thoughts, Jerry?
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Post by jandl100 on May 3, 2019 16:10:42 GMT
The only version that I own is Sir Colin Davis' from the "LSO Live" series. Any thoughts, Jerry? Whilst I was recently 'learning' the symphony I sampled all that were available on Spotify. The LSO Davis was dismissed for its rather stodgy sound quality. Listening again now it does have a certain massive grandeur about it. The BIS Oramo came out all round tops for me, but Parvo Jarvi on RCA came closest after that. Vanska on BIS was also suprisingly good - I'm generally not a fan of Vanska. |
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Post by jandl100 on May 3, 2019 16:18:48 GMT
I owned the top-Penguin-Guide-rated Blomstedt symphony cycle set on Decca CDs for years, and wondered what all the fuss about Nielsen was.
Only later, in the age of internet streaming, did I find out what dire performances they are. Helped put me off the composer for ages!
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Post by Slinger on May 3, 2019 16:24:16 GMT
6/10 for me. I found it a bit "lightweight" to be honest. Perhaps it's just my mood.
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Post by jandl100 on May 3, 2019 16:43:03 GMT
Oramao's reading is a LOT more dramatic and incisive than Davis's. The Davis recording is a bit stodgy all round.
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Post by MartinT on May 5, 2019 15:46:34 GMT
Thanks, Jerry. It's on 24/96 on Qobuz, listening now.
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Post by MartinT on May 5, 2019 16:14:30 GMT
There is definitely a motif in the 3rd that I recognise but cannot place. Overall, this is quite inventive stuff. He is very much of the romantic movement but not exactly like any other composer of that period. Good finale. 7/10.
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