Search - Nielsen, Salonen, Swedish Radio Symphony :: Symphony 4

The Most Powerful Recording of Nielsen's 'Inextinguishable'

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 01/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For many, the symphonies of Carl Nielsen are best approached by hearing the Symphony No. 4 first. The work is one of such visceral power that it is nearly impossible not to fall under its spell. Written between 1914 and 1916 the symphony is one of Nielsen's most mature. It was written in response to The Great War and the effect of that grave threat on Nielsen and indeed all mankind. It is a work of violence, chaos, battle (especially between two opposing timpanists) but in the end it is about the triumph of the human spirit. Nielsen wrote "the whole world is disintegrating," when "national feeling, which hitherto was regarded as something lofty and beautiful, has become like a spiritual syphilis that has devoured the brains, and it grins out through empty eye sockets with moronic hate". Powerful words and feelings = powerful music.



Esa-Pekka Salonen made this recording in 1986 when he was a mere 26 years old. That this symphony helped to propel him to international stardom as a conductor is evident in this fine recording with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra. There are many recordings of this symphony in the repertoire, but none reach the heights of this performance. The power and battle and resolution are breathtakingly rendered in Salonen's hands.



Coupled with this mighty work is the moody and atmospheric 'Helios Overture' - a moment at the end of the symphony for the listener to pause and bask in the reassurance of the sun rising out of the seascape. While it may be difficult to find this recording, it is well worth the effort. Hopefully it will be re-released as it is the finest version of this remarkable symphony. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, January 06"