Credits:

G. Mahler

Description:

Master Davis & LSO Nielsen Series Finale No. 2 "Four Temperaments" & No. 3 "Symphony of Expanse" The Nielsen Series, performed by the LSO under the direction of master conductor Colin Davis, is now in its final stretch. Symphonies No. 2 and No. 3 are live recordings from an intensive concert at the Barbican Hall, the home of both symphonies, in December 2011, two months after the previous Symphony No. 1. The second symphony, titled "Four Temperaments," was inspired by a watercolor caricature of human temperaments that Nielsen happened to see in a pub during a visit to the countryside. Each of the four movements is given an adjective to suggest the character of the composer: the angry "bilious," the intellectual and calm "mucous," the somber and melancholic "melancholic," and the joyful and vivacious "polycythemic," and the actual music develops in accordance with this unique character. On the other hand, the Third Symphony, titled "Symphony of Expanse," derived from the first movement's conception (Allegro espansivo), is also called "Nielsen's Countryside Symphony" because of the second movement (Andante Pastorale), in which a baritone and soprano soloist appear from behind the stage after the middle of the movement in a series of vocalises. The most distinctive feature of this piece is that a baritone and a soprano appear one after the other in vocalise from behind the stage after the middle of the movement, and it has been very popular since its release due to its Scandinavian pastoral flavor.On May 25, 2012, Davis was awarded the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Dannebrog through the Danish Ambassador to Denmark in recognition of his recording of Nielsen's symphonies with the LSO in 2011. The LSO's 2011 recording of Nielsen's symphonies with the LSO was recognized by the Danish Royal Family with the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Dannebrog through the Danish Ambassador. The legitimacy of his reputation is evident in the excellent performances of his previous series, and here, too, the music of Davis, who turned 85 in September 2012, soars so high and so overwhelming that it is hard to believe that this is really the first time a conductor has taken on Nielsen's symphonic works in earnest. As with the previous two albums, the LSO's performance is a true testament to the joy of playing music with a maestro who is so fascinated by the music, making this a fitting conclusion to the series. King International

Tracklisting:

1.Symphony No. 2 'The Four Temperaments', Op. 16: Allegro collerico
2.Symphony No. 2 'The Four Temperaments', Op. 16: Allegro comodo e flammatico
3.Symphony No. 2 'The Four Temperaments', Op. 16: Andante malincolico
4.Symphony No. 2 'The Four Temperaments', Op. 16: Allegro sangineo - Marziale
5.Symphony No. 3 'Sinfonia Espansiva', Op. 27: Allegro espansivo
6.Symphony No. 3 'Sinfonia Espansiva', Op. 27: Andante pastorale
7.Symphony No. 3 'Sinfonia Espansiva', Op. 27: Allegretto un poco
8.Symphony No. 3 'Sinfonia Espansiva', Op. 27: Finale: Allegro