13 January 2019

Grøndahl Conducts Nielsen's Fourth Symphony

Three conductors are particularly associated with the music of Carl Nielsen - Erik Tuxen, Thomas Jensen and Launy Grøndahl. Today we explore the legacy of Grøndahl, in the form of Nielsen's Fourth Symphony, "The Inextinguishable."

Launy Grøndahl
Grøndahl was the permanent conductor of the Danish National Orchestra (also known as the Danish National Radio Orchestra, among other names) from 1925-56.

I believe this convincing performance was the first recording of the work, which is probably Nielsen's most performed symphony, along with the 5th. It dates from August 1951. The sound is excellent. My transfer comes from a Danish pressing made for export under the Odeon label.

The transfer was made as the result of a request on another site, but I thought some readers here might enjoy it as well.

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11 comments:

  1. Buster13 January, 2019 15:07

    Link (Apple lossless):

    https://www.mediafire.com/file/liok698i1illbcq/Nielsen_-_Symphony_No._4_%28Gr%F8ndahl%29.zip/file

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    Replies
    1. Andrew14 January, 2019 08:16

      Thanks Buster, its good to know these early recordings of Nielsen: it gives an idea of how native Danes played them before All-Star International conductors and orchestras "interpreted" them.

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    2. Buster14 January, 2019 12:02

      Andrew - I'll have to pull out the Karajan recording and see if it measures up.

      Delete
  2. rev.b13 January, 2019 18:19

    Thanks Buster!

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  3. A N Other14 January, 2019 06:43

    Many thanks - I think it's a great performance and your transfer is excellent!

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  4. Buster14 January, 2019 12:03

    A N Other - Thanks for the compliment!

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  5. David Federman14 January, 2019 20:08

    Of all the many treasures you have shared, this is one of the greatest. I needed music this affirmative and triumphant. Grondahl's performance is the most authentic I have heard. Thanks.

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  6. centuri15 January, 2019 01:27

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  7. centuri15 January, 2019 01:28

    Thanks Buster for this historical and reference recording.
    DRSO is still an amazing orchestra.
    The 6 symphonies by Nielsen are a milestone in Danish music.

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  8. David Federman16 January, 2019 11:30

    Thanks to you, I have discovered magnificent recordings of Nielsen symphonies by great Danish conductors like Erik Tuxen and Thomas Jensen. You really started something for me. How could I have missed this incredible music?

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  9. Phillip13 May, 2020 23:23

    Superb. Thanks so much Buster.

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