4 Symphonies [Blu-ray]

Outstanding performances and value
A quick comment on the value offered here - four major symphonies covering almost three hours on one bluray disc - is this because the orchestra and conductor are not that well known and the label wants to introduce them? Certainly, orchestras such as the Berlin Phil. usually offer only normal concert-length fare on their discs - overture, concerto and main work. Whatever the reason, any of the performances on this disc are worth the price of admission, even if they were alone on the disc!

I had not heard of Thomas Dausgaard before, so due diligence sent me googling and to You-Tube before I bought this. His reputation is admirable, having been associated with this Danish orchestra since 2004, as well as many other major ensembles. He is an animated conductor, using hands, face, eyes and body movements for direction and emphasis. Sensitivity to the music abounds, but he could not be accused of "hanging about". His tempi are fast-ish, but not enough to blur the details in the...

Very good performances and recordings offer fine overall value as a compilation set
This generously filled disc contains four important symphonic works and is designed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Beckett Foundation's role in the cultural life of Denmark. In particular this recording is the result of the `Symphonic Summer project' collaboration between the orchestra and the Beckett Foundation. In the bonus section of the disc the conductor, Thomas Dausgard, describes his personal responses to these four works.

The key question that potential purchasers will be asking is whether this disc contains performances that are competitive with other recent issues both musically as well as financially.

The Brahms symphony makes an interesting comparison with the recent performances by Barenboim and Bychkov. Both of those are well respected performances and are weightier in their approach. They both build to excitingly powerful conclusions. This new version is fleeter and leaner throughout and this makes the work come over as a younger man's...

Quite outstanding performances
This is my second encounter on DVD with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra, the first being the fine, though not white-hot, Nielsen symphonies set under the direction of Michael Sch