Composer: Carl Nielsen
Works: Symphony No. 2, Four Temperaments, Symphony No. 4 Inextinguishable
Performers: Danish State Radio Symphony Orchestra, Thomas Jensen (conductor), Launy Grøndahl (conductor)
Recording: Mono ADD Rec Concert Hall, Danish State Radio, 3 Oct 1947 (Sym 2), 17-19 Aug 1951 (Sym 4)
Label: Dutton Laboratories
Carl Nielsen, one of Denmark’s most distinguished composers, is celebrated for his ability to weave the emotional landscape of human experience into the fabric of his symphonic works. The present recording features two pivotal pieces from 1902: Symphony No. 2, a vivid exploration of the Four Temperaments, and Symphony No. 4, titled “Inextinguishable,” which grapples with themes of vitality and resilience. Both compositions, emerging from a period rich with innovation and expressive depth, reveal Nielsen’s mastery in blending traditional forms with stark emotional realities, setting a uniquely Nordic tone that resonates through the ages.
The performances by the Danish State Radio Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Thomas Jensen and Launy Grøndahl are not merely vivacious; they surge with an eruptive ferocity that captures the raw essence of Nielsen’s intent. Jensen’s interpretation of the second symphony presents the Choleric temperament with unbridled intensity, each orchestral outburst feeling like a visceral confrontation with the very nature of fury. The pacing of the Melancholic section stands as a testament to Jensen’s sensitivity; the measured tempo and delicate articulation evoke a profound sense of sorrow that resonates deeply, surpassing the often ceremonial treatment this movement receives elsewhere. The final movement, bursting with optimism, is executed with a buoyancy that retains humility, avoiding the pitfalls of arrogance often encountered in lesser interpretations.
Grøndahl’s reading of the Fourth Symphony is equally compelling. The work’s outer movements are characterized by a tumultuous energy that seems to capture the very essence of life’s force—an unrelenting drive that is both exhilarating and unsettling. The pastoral allegretto offers a respite, its lyrical quality reminiscent of a Shostakovich adagio, underscoring the contrasting emotional landscapes that Nielsen so masterfully orchestrates. The richness of the orchestration comes through in the recording’s clarity, with an impressive balance between the strings and the brass that allows the intricate counterpoint to emerge vividly.
This recording, produced in the late 1940s and early 1950s, may lack the pristine sound quality of contemporary efforts, yet its historical significance and emotional authenticity are undeniable. The engineering captures the orchestra’s full dynamic range, allowing listeners to experience the raw power and nuance of Nielsen’s orchestration. While modern recordings by conductors like Herbert Blomstedt and Bryden Thomson are often lauded for their refinement, these performances possess a visceral quality that shakes the listener from complacency, offering a stark reminder of the music’s inherent volatility.
The coupling of these two symphonies represents a compelling chapter in Nielsen’s oeuvre, showcasing his ability to encapsulate the human experience’s breadth within symphonic form. Each performance, under the guidance of Jensen and Grøndahl, brings forth not just historical artifacts but visceral reminders of the emotional truths that Nielsen sought to convey. The combination of a dedicated orchestra and astute conductors makes this recording essential for anyone wishing to delve into the depths of Nielsen’s symphonic vision.
