Nielsen: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3 London Symphony Orchestra & Sir Colin Davis

• Carl Nielsen (1865–1931): Symphony No 2 The Four Temperaments
• 1 I. Allegro collerico 09:57
• 2 II. Allegro comodo e flemmatico 04:16
• 3 III. Andante malincolico 09:54
• 4 IV. Allegro sanguineo 07:47
• Symphony No 3 Sinfonia Espansiva
• 5 I. Allegro espansivo 11:28
• 6 II. Andante pastorale 07:26
• 7 III. Allegretto un poco 06:29
• 8 IV. Finale: Allegro 09:18
• Total Runtime 01:06:35

Info for Nielsen: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3

Nielsen’s Second Symphony was inspired by a naïve but vivid painting representing the Four Temperaments of the human personality. Adopting these defining characters for each of the symphony’s movements Nielsen realised a sonic depiction of emotion. His Third Symphony, the most openly Danish of his symphonies, portrays spaciousness, power and vitality and is considered his greatest international achievement.

With this eagerly awaited recording of Symphonies 2 & 3, Sir Colin Davis completes his enlightening Nielsen symphony cycle. The first title in the series, Symphonies Nos.4 & 5, was Editor's Choice in Gramophone and Orchestral Choice of the Month in BBC Music Magazine. The second, with Symphonies 1 & 6 was awarded CD of the Week in the Sunday Times.

Nielsen's second symphony was inspired by a naïve but vivid painting representing the four temperaments of the human personality. Adopting these defining characters for each of the symphony's movements Nielsen realized a sonic depiction of emotion. His third symphony, the most openly Danish of his symphonies, portrays spaciousness, power and vitality and is considered his greatest international achievement.

„Zesty and affectionate, with depth of feeling when required, there is a freshness to this account that makes it worth hearing, and the joyous finale has a bounce that is infectious.“ (Classical Source)

„The LSO’s playing is irreproachable in this last installment with Davis.“ (BBC Radio 3 CD Review)

Lucy Hall, soprano
Marcus Farnsworth, baritone
London Symphony Orchestra
Sir Colin Davis, conductor

Sir Colin Davis
The traditional road to success for a conductor used to be an apprenticeship in an opera house as a coach, playing the piano for singers in rehearsal. Colin Davis chose another route, partly by necessity. Unable to play the piano, he was not allowed into the conducting course at the Royal College of Music in London. So, he achieved an important international career by taking the initiative to form ensembles and conduct for friends at first. Early successes included the founding of the Chelsea Opera Group, a company which to this day gives performances of little known operas in concert.

Davis was soon working with professional orchestras including the BBC Scottish Symphony. His first ‘break’ was at Sadler’s Wells in 1958 when his conducting of Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio began a lifelong connection with that composer. The Edinburgh Festival followed along with Glyndebourne. His concert career blossomed in the mid 1960′s alongside his opera work and his other passion for Berlioz began to bring him to the attention of record lovers. He has recorded all the major works of Berlioz, including the first complete (and still regarded as the landmark) recording of Les Troyens.

Davis has enjoyed a career-long affiliation with Philips Classics, recording along with Berlioz, Mozart, the complete symphonies of Sibelius (while he was Principal Guest Conductor of the Boston Symphony in the 1970s) and much more.

Booklet for Nielsen: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3