Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 33, FS 61 (1911)
Symphony No. 4, Op. 29, FS 76 'The Inextinguishable' (1914-16)

Perhaps one possible explanation as to why the Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 33 by Danish composer Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) isn't the first one that comes to mind when asked to name your favorite violin concerto is because it's a "musician's" concerto. Not to say that it lacks musical appeal, but it doesn't contain highly memorable melodies like the Mendelssohn or Bruch concertos to use but two examples. The violin was Nielsen's own instrument, and it sounds as if he wrote this concerto to challenge and highlight a violinist's capabilities. It was dedicated to his son-in-law, violinist Emil Telmányi. The opening movement's bravura introduction alone could be enough to discourage unprepared soloists, but it quickly transforms into an elegiac melody played in the higher register, which on its own, demands the utmost level of expressiveness from the player. This duality is the mainstay of this work, which requires both pinpoint accuracy and dazzling technique in one instance, as well as beauty of tone from the soloist. Canadian violinist James Ehnes, whose discography alone exemplifies his versatility as well as his highly sought-after status, meets and even exceeds this work's demands with the utmost musicianship.

Carl Nielsen composed six symphonies, all of which have the stamp of a masterful symphonist and orchestrator, but it's this Symphony No. 4, Op. 29 'The Inextinguishable' which has cemented his reputation as one of the 20th century's great composers. Written during the First World War, its highly convulsive outburst which opens the first movement stands as a reaction to the conflict, but its main recurring theme throughout the various movements stands as a beacon of light breaking through the darkness. The symphony's subtitle 'The Inextinguishable' was described by himself thus: "to indicate in one word what only music has the power to express in full; the elemental Will of Life. Music is Life and, like it, inextinguishable." In itself, this theme, although heavy and descending in character, creates an instant emotive uplift simply by its harmonic layout, and like a wave in a rolling swell, evokes the image that like a mighty river, life will go on. Conductor Edward Gardner well captures the scope and emotive outlook of this work, and the finely engineered audio of this Hybrid-SACD recording well conveys its opulence.