?Nielsen's epic Violin Concerto was premiered in Copenhagen in February 1912, by violinist Peder Moller. Nominally the work is set in two movements; both open with a slow section and move to a faster one. Whilst unusual, this could be seen as a more usual fast - slow - fast three movement form, but with an extensive slow introduction to the first movement. The music moves quickly from one idea to the next, and overall has a bold, playful and optimistic feel. In stark contrast, although written only a few years later, the fourth symphony is more cohesive and unified as a work. Written against the background of the first world war, the work is a celebration of life itself. Just before the premier in 1916, Nielsen described it as: 'Music is Life, and, like it, inextinguishable.' Composed in the usual four movement form, each movement continues from the last without a break. The final movement features two sets of timpani battling each other across the orchestra. The recording was made in Bergen's Grieghallen, in Surround Sound, and is available as a hybrid SACD and in Spatial Audio

Tracklist:

*** Nielsen: Violin Concerto, Op. 33 (FS61)
Ia. Praeludium
Ib. Allegro cavalleresco
IIa. Poco Adagio
IIb. Rondo
*** Nielsen: Symphony No. 4, Op. 29 (FS76) 'The Inextinguishable'
I. Allegro
II. A tempo (Poco allegretto)
III. Poco Adagio
IV. Allegro

UPC: 095115531129
Label: Chandos
Release Date: 5.12.23
Format: CD

Nielsen / Ethnes / Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra - Violin Concerto Symphony No. 4 (Hybr) (CD)