Chandos' reissued Grieg collection offers an intriguing sample of the composer's works. Gennady Rozhdestvensky leads a compelling account of the Symphonic Dances, with brisk and buoyant tempos (in the faster movements) combined with song-like phrasing and finely accented rhythms. The Stockholm orchestra's lively and colorful playing projects the drama, as well as the folk character, of Grieg's work. Rozhdestvensky is just as adept at capturing the "once upon a time" air of the three Sigurd Jorsalfar excerpts.
The Six Songs, however, are of special interest. Only two, Solveig's Song and Solveig's Cradle Song, appear on disc with any regularity, usually in recordings of Grieg's Peer Gynt. The remaining four offer engaging examples of Grieg's tuneful and touching vocal music. Soprano Solveig Kringelborn's vocal mastery is touched with a sense of innocent sincerity that communicates straight to the heart, while Rozhdestvensky and the orchestra provide sympathetic accompaniment. Chandos' rich, reverberant sound falls nicely on the ear, making this release an easy choice. [5/2/2005] --Victor Carr Jr, ClassicsToday.com
