Carl Nielsen - Symphonies & Concertos (Alan Gilbert)

Information

Composer: Carl Nielsen

CD1:

• (01) Symphony No. 3, CNW 27, 'Sinfonia espansiva'
• (05) Symphony No. 2, CNW 26, 'The Four Temperaments'

CD2:

• (01) Symphony No. 4, CNW 28, 'The Inextinguishable'
• (05) Symphony No. 1, CNW 25

CD3:

• (01) Symphony No. 5, CNW 29
• (07) Symphony No. 6, CNW 30, 'Sinfonia semplice'

CD4:

• (01) Violin Concerto, CNW 41
• (04) Flute Concerto, CNW 42
• (06) Clarinet Concerto, CNW 43

Nikolaj Znaider, violin
Robert Langevin, flute
Anthony McGill, clarinet

New York Philharmonic Orchestra
Alan Gilbert, conductor

Recording Date: 2011-2015
Compilation: 2015
Label: Dacapo Records

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Review

If I have to characterize Gilbert's approach in these live performances of the Nielsen symphonies and concertos, I would say he is very energetic and muscular, alert to meaningful detail and quite proficient at obtaining proper instrumental balances. Gilbert's readings are never unexciting or dull in any way: the dramatic, climactic passages have plenty of impact and spirit, and everything else comes across convincingly. In general, he is fairly objective and straightforward in his interpretations, not given to wringing out emotional flourishes or grandiose moments unless the score calls for them – and in Nielsen's music, you rarely find anything even remotely approaching excess or garishness. True, the drum duel in the finale of the Fourth and the warring snare drum in the second half of the first movement of the Fifth might suggest otherwise, but I've found even these moments not quite over the top.

...

I should mention that Gilbert's SACDs are coupled thusly: Symphonies 3 & 2 (disc 1); #4 & 1 (disc 2); #5 & 6 (disc 3); and the concertos (disc 4). This order was chosen because the symphonies were performed live at Avery Fisher Hall in that order, and the concertos were wisely placed on a separate disc even though some were performed before the last two volumes of the symphonies. In the June update I reviewed the Colin Davis set of Nielsen symphonies (LSO Live LSO0789) and found it reasonably successful, but a bit controversial owing to the conductor's fast tempos, particularly in the Fourth. Well, Gilbert's set will generate no such stir, as his timings are mostly middle of the road. For example, his Fourth clocks in at 35:57 compared with Davis' extremely fleet 31:13. Davis is also significantly faster in the Second, Third and Fifth. Still, he was generally very convincing, but if I had to choose between these two sets, I'd go with Gilbert as he is more consistent and never wayward, plus you get the three concertos in splendid performances. Fine sound and excellent album notes round out this Dacapo release. Highly recommended.

-- Robert Cummings, Classical Net

More reviews:
https://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/nielsen-symphonies-nos-2-3-0
http://www.classical-music.com/review/nielsen-symphonies-orchestral-jan-13
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2012/Oct12/Nielsen_2_3_6220623.htm
https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/qg4z/
https://www.classicstoday.com/review/dacapos-thrilling-new-nielsen-cycle/
https://www.classicstoday.com/review/gilberts-powerful-nielsen-cycle-continues/
https://www.allmusic.com/album/carl-nielsen-symphonies-nos-5-6-mw0002809324

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Carl Nielsen (9 June 1865 – 3 October 1931) was a Danish musician, conductor and violinist, widely recognized as his country's most prominent composer. Although his symphonies, concertos and choral music are now internationally acclaimed, Nielsen's career and personal life were marked by many difficulties, often reflected in his music. Nielsen maintained the reputation of an outsider during his lifetime, both in his own country and internationally. It was only later that his works firmly entered the international repertoire, accelerating in popularity from the 1960s through Leonard Bernstein and others.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Nielsen

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Alan Gilbert (born February 23, 1967) is an American conductor and violinist. Gilbert was born in New York City, USA, and is the son of two now retired New York Philharmonic violinists. As a youth, he learned the violin, viola, and piano. Gilbert studied music at Harvard University, New England Conservatory, Curtis Institute and Juilliard School. He was music director of the Santa Fe Opera (2003-07) and the New York Philharmonic (2009-17), principal conductor of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra (2000-08), and is currently principal conductor of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Gilbert_(conductor)
https://www.alangilbert.com/en-us/

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