Symphony No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 21 (1894)
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 83 (1907)
Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 121 (1919)
Symphony No. 4 in E-flat Major, Op. 129 "Frost and Spring" (Rhapsody for Orchestra) (1936)

It would seem that Norwegian composer Christian Sinding (1856-1941) was rather prolific - more than 50 pieces for piano, many pieces for violin and piano, piano trios, a piano quartet and piano quintet, 3 violin concertos, 4 symphonies, choral works and many songs - and yet his legacy seems to boil down to one single piano piece titled Rustle of Spring which can be found in practically every book of collected piano favorites ever published.

Mind you it's a highly compelling work with a sweeping melody embedded within constant arpeggiating chords rushing to-and-fro like the wind rustling through the trees. It takes full advantage of the keyboard's range and serves as a technical stepping stone for intermediate pianists.

His symphonic output is an extension of this. A prime example is the opening of the first movement of the Symphony No. 1 in D Minor (audio clip below). A bold and expansive statement indeed although slightly derivative of earlier 19th century composers like Brahms or Wagner. And unlike some of his Nordic counterparts like Sibelius and Grieg for example, his sound is much more Germanic. And oddly enough he reminds me most of some Russian composers like Alexander Glazunov and more so Vasily Kalinnikov. Bold thematic statements, appealing melodies, rich orchestration, but a bit bereft of emotive involvement, although the slow Andante movement of his Symphony No. 3 in F Major is deeply expressive.

The Norrköping Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Karl-Heinz Steffens go out of their way to enhance the resolute fervor and eloquence of the score. This may well be the extra push needed to release these symphonies from the jaws of oblivion. Recommended for anyone seeking to hear something rarely performed, steeped in 19th century tradition.