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This review mostly concerns the 5th symphony on this CD, as I haven't heard enough other versions of the violin concerto to comment (though it strikes me as excellent). Chung does wonders with the 5th. Dating from 1987, this counts as fairly early digital sound, but aided by the great acoustics of the Gothenburg symphony hall, the sound is full, detailed, and atmospheric. Chung's pacing in the first two movements is slightly faster than some, yet always seems relaxed and spot-on in dramatic terms, leading to one of the most exciting 2nd movement climaxes on record. Chung also sustains forward movement and tension in the final movements better than some conductors. Along with Rozhdestvensky, Blomdstedt, and Gibson, this is one of the very best Nielsen 5ths out there (probably my pick if I could have only one).
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2003
Maetro Chung and violin virtuoso Kang finally produced the vest version of Nielsen. You will easily find that this CD is better than Salonen & Cho Liang Lin version or recent days' Vengerov's, if you could have a chance to compare those ones. You can really feel Chung's interpretation of Nielsen as well as Kang's perfect articulation of left hand and lightening bowing, while listening this CD with closing your eyes.
This was the first of Chung's Nielsen CDs I bought, and it led me to purchase the rest. The symphony may seem to begin in a relatively understated fashion, but Chung nevertheless finds climaxes as exciting as any. It may not displace performances such as Kubelik's in this symphony, but can stand beside them. And the Violin Concerto is immediately appealing. Highly recommended.
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