Nielsen, C.: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 3

Immerse yourself in the captivating orchestral works of Danish composer Carl Nielsen with this 1995 release from Naxos. This album presents Nielsen's Symphonies No. 2 and No. 3, offering a rich and diverse exploration of his symphonic repertoire. The Second Symphony, Op. 16, subtitled "The 4 Temperaments," is a fascinating journey through the four humors of ancient medicine, each movement characterized by a distinct personality: the fiery "Allegro collerico," the easy-going "Allegro comodo e flemmatico," the melancholic "Andante malincolico," and the spirited "Allegro sanguinoso." Following this, the Third Symphony, Op. 27, "Sinfonia espansiva," unfolds with its expansive and pastoral themes, culminating in a lively finale. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 8 minutes, this album is a testament to Nielsen's innovative compositional style and his significant contributions to the orchestral canon. Recorded with precision and passion, it's a compelling addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.