The second release in Sir Colin Davis’s acclaimed Nielsen Symphony cycle features Symphonies Nos 1 & 6. The first title in the series, Symphonies Nos 4 & 5, was an Editor’s Choice in Gramophone and Orchestral Choice of the Month in BBC Music Magazine.

Nielsen’s First Symphony draws inspiration from Brahms and Dvorak but also contains hints of the progressive tonality for which he was later celebrated. His enigmatic final symphony, entitled 'Sinfonia Semplice' (Simple Symphony), suggesting a work of “entirely idyllic character”, turns out to be anything but this. Though written 30 years apart, both works feature folk-inflections, tonal ambiguity and Nielsen’s distinctive anti-Romantic style.

‘It says something for Sir Colin Davis’ eternal vitality and musical curiosity that he should come to the dynamic Carl Nielsen symphonies so late in life. You have to be old enough to grasp the ironies of this playfully subversive piece and the devilish glint in Davis’ eye more than suggested what we’ve known all along – that the anarchy of a second childhood is more fun when you are old enough to care less.... This music is deliciously fitful in its refusal to conform” - The Independent 29 May 2011 [Symphony No.6]