Discerning Nielsen fans will note that this is the second time Naxos has released a CD pairing the Symphony No. 1 in G minor and the Symphony No. 6, "Sinfonia Semplice," since the first time was in 1995 with exceptional performances by
Adrian Leaper and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland.
Michael Schønwandt's equally fine performances with the
Danish National Symphony Orchestra originally appeared in 2000 on Dacapo, and are part of a set of the six symphonies. These works are quite different in presentation and style, for the robust, tightly structured Symphony No. 1 reflects late Romanticism, notably with Brahmsian influences, while the Symphony No. 6 is striking in its modernity and freedom. Yet both symphonies are recognizably Nielsen's, especially in sweet lyrical passages that employ his characteristic flatted seventh and evoke folk tunes in their deceptive simplicity. As a specialist in this composer's oeuvre,
Schønwandt is particularly alert to the emotional impact of Nielsen's melodies, and these performances are most affecting when he gives them free rein. But these are symphonies after all, not songs, and the lyrical impulse is always carefully balanced with dramatic developments and muscular tensions, and the orchestra's inherent feeling for Nielsen's changeable moods is especially acute. The audio quality is quite good, and most details in the orchestration come through without any obvious studio tinkering.