Search - Ludolf Nielsen, Ludvig Nielsen, Ole Schmidt :: Ludolf Nielsen: Symphony No. 2

Truly a joyful symphony

I. J. J. Nieuwland | Amsterdam | 02/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ludolf Nielsen's fame hasn't been helped by the presence of a contemporaneous namesake that was far more famous: Carl Nielsen. Yet, this is totally different music; think of a more light-hearted Stenhammar. There are the same late romantic large gestures and structures, but it is of more immediate impact. With this 'Symphony of Joy" Nielsen is in his element. Here is some of the most optimistic music of the age. Of the four movements, three are slow ones, and the one scherzo not particularly fast at that. Yet the finale (lento) erupts into a near-hallucinogenic experience (not entirely unlike some recent film music). The Berceuse and Lyrisk Nocturne are worthwile fillers, but they don't reach the same exalted level of the symphony. Ole Schmidt and the RSO Frankfurt deliver an inspired and lucid performance. The CD is accompanied by the usual encyclopedic notes from CPO."