Nielsen: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 4 (Royal Edition No. 59)

Carl Nielsen and Jean Sibelius are the two greatest composers to have emerged from the Scandanavian countries in the 20th century. They both have a series of successful symphonies, all of which still exist on CD in many editions. These are two classic recordings done by Leonard Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic. Bernstein's take on these works are toward a stronger dynamism, especially in the opening gestures of each work. Some critics don't like this, but the Symphony 4 , The Inextinguishable, of 1916 needs it. It requires a powerful launch for the ideas that are to follow. Highly recommended. --Paul Cook