Bostock's Nielsen cycle has been fairly good so far but this account of 'The Inextinguishable' is quite lamentably poor. Although the English conductor holds the structure together quite well, his propensity to avoid risks makes comparison with Jensen and Grondahl quite scathing and the tension is relatively low key also.
Conversely, Cupid and the Poet' is a valuable addition to the repertoire with its side drum and percussive elements so characteristic of late vintage Nielsen.
Bostock's account of the Symphonic Rhapsody is excellent although he cannot disguise the fact that this is a feeble attempt but remarkably prophetic of great things to come, nonetheless. Jan Lund is an adequate tenor in the three songs that receive their première recordings here alongside 'Cupid'. I am afraid, I can only be moderately enthusiastic about this release.
Copyright © 2001, Gerald Fenech