Nielsen: Symphonies Nos. 2 'The Four temperaments' & 3 'Sinfonia espansiva'

'Colin Davis establishes himself as a first-class Nielsenian on our pick of the week ... With this coupling, Davis leaves the best for last, too: Nielsen's most accessible symphony, "The Four Temperaments" (No 2), a work ideally suited to Davis's volatile humours; and the "Sinfonia Espansiva", arguably the composer's greatest and most characteristically nationalist.'The Sunday Times

'Those who have already enjoyed the previous releases in this cycle will need no urging to acquire this one.' Classical CD Choice

With this eagerly awaited recording of Symphonies 2 & 3, Sir Colin Davis completes his enlightening Nielsen symphony cycle. The first title in the series, Symphonies Nos.4 & 5, was Editor's Choice in Gramophone and Orchestral Choice of the Month in BBC Music Magazine. The second, with Symphonies 1 & 6 was awarded CD of the Week in the Sunday Times.

Nielsen's second symphony was inspired by a naïve but vivid painting representing the four temperaments of the human personality. Adopting these defining characters for each of the symphony's movements Nielsen realised a sonic depiction of emotion. His third symphony, the most openly Danish of his symphonies, portrays spaciousness, power and vitality and is considered his greatest international achievement.