Ari Rasilainen’s 1996 recording of Johan Svendsen’s first two symphonies outclasses Bjarte Engeset’s recent Naxos coupling, making it first choice among budget contenders. The Norwegian Radio Orchestra delivers crisp, lively performances, the vigorous opening allegro of No. 1 giving notice of generally assured playing to come. Rasilainen takes special care with his shaping of the andante’s broad string themes, the lyrical, folk-infused second subject of No. 2’s opening allegro, and similar passages elsewhere. In both finales, though, the larger string section of the Danish National Radio Symphony under the dynamic Thomas Dausgaard (Chandos) provides the weightier, denser sonorities this music demands.
Rasilainen’s NRO, a studio ensemble, doesn’t have sufficient numbers (particularly of violins) to effectively counterbalance a powerful brass choir, whose ringing trumpets and horns invariably dominate tuttis. Another caveat is that the Norwegians’ wind playing never equals that of the superior DNRSO team, which phrases solos with more individuality (especially clarinets and bassoons) and sounds better blended. Rasilainen shows his best during the first symphony’s lively scherzo and also effectively evinces the rustic mood of the second’s charming intermezzo. Ultimately, it’s a question of whether you rate Rasilainen’s fluent, natural approach over Dausgaard’s greater urgency and energy. A superb Chandos recording and exemplary playing from the DNRSO probably clinches it for Dausgaard, but Rasilainen’s Apex disc offers excellent value and creditable performances.
