Symphony No. 2 (The Four Temperaments) - Carl Nielsen
Information about Symphony No. 2 by Carl Nielsen, and the best recordings available on CD or for download.
Inspired by a painting depicting the four temperaments: choleric, phlegmatic, melancholic, and sanguine.
The work was written in 1901-02, and consists of four movements lasting a total of approximately 35 minutes.
RECOMMENDED RECORDINGS
Gilbert (Da Capo 6.220623)
Outstanding performances of The Four Tempraments and Espansiva.
New York Philharmonic, conducted by Alan Gilbert, 2011-12.
Da Capo 6.220623
Coupled with Symphony No. 3 (Espansiva)
Vänskä (BIS BIS-CD-1289)
Excellent performances - the fifth in particular.
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Osmo Vänskä.
BIS BIS-CD-1289
Coupled with Symphony No. 5
Blomstedt (Decca 460 985-2)
Superb performances of the first three symphonies, and winner of a Gramophone award.
San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Herbert Blomstedt.
Decca 460 985-2
Coupled with Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3