Search - Carl Nielsen, Adrian Leaper, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland :: Nielsen: Symphonies Nos. 4 "The Inextinguishable" and 5

Capable, but there is something missing.....

mahlerii@aol.com | Richfield, MN | 08/15/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"The most telling things about these performances are the 'effects' or novelties that Nielsen puts in these two symphonies. In the fourth, it is those two timpani in the last movement-they have splendid fire here and are spectacularily performed. The other is that infernal snare drum in the first movement of the 5th-to be played as if "all costs to disrupt the progress of the orchestra". Most snare drummers are content just to use the head of the drum, but why not use rimshots, and why not hit the side of the drum or even the stand?? The unnamed snare drummer does all of this and is the most menacing that I have heard. The problem is the aftermath! The orchestra hardly swamps the snare drum as it does in other performances (Blomstedt especially). The sense of catharsis is lacking. In the last movement of the 5th, the pace is just too slow. The menacing fugue is much too tame to recieve its full effect. The 4th symphony should blaze more, here it just simmers. Sound quality is excellent. Considering the relative success of the other releases in this series by Leaper, I would suggest having another go at these symphonies. For now, investigate Martinon, Jarvi and Blomstedt for the 4th and Blomstedt and Bernstein for the 5th. Then you can go to these performances and determine what is missing."

Nielsen's two masterworks and succesful interpretations

Sungu Okan | Istanbul, Istanbul Turkey | 08/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nielsen's immortal Symphony No. 4 was written during The First World War years (1916). And Symphony No. 5 was written after the war. Because of, these symphonies tells crisis about the war. Also, about Symphony 4, according to Nielsen, "Music is life" and music, like life, "Inextinguishable". And, I think, this recording is very succesful. Especially, in Symphony 4, solos of the two set timpani (these solos are difficult for timpanists) are very good. The woodwinds (in the 2nd movement) are very soft and nice. The quality of sound is excellent.I think, this CD can buy whitout hesitate. Highly recommended for all Nielsen fans."