Nielsen's wind concertos combine virtuoso display with tender lyricism in a uniquely imaginative style, and are the highlights of this disc, brilliantly played.
During the Twenties Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) planned a series of concertos for the members of the Danish Wind Quintet. He completed only the two featured on the Salonen recording, which show the most thorough understanding of the solo instruments. They combine virtuoso display with tender lyricism, in a uniquely imaginative style, and are the highlights of this disc, brilliantly played.
The lyric-humoresque Springtime on Funen (1921) could hardly be more different; this is Nielsen at his most charming, developing with tender affection the folk imagery of his native environment. But though the performance is skilfully managed, the solo singing is not always distinguished enough to achieve a fully poetic expression.
