Olé

Since the release of the first volume, (Piano Concerto and Symphony, BIS-SACD-1191), in February 2003, this series has been gathering the most extravagant praise, both for the committed performances of Ole Kristian Ruud and the Bergen Philharmonic – Grieg's 'own' orchestra – and for the sound quality, which has been held up as a model for all labels making orchestral Surround Sound recordings. With this, the sixth, instalment the turn has come to the Peer Gynt Suites, possibly the best-loved of all Grieg's orchestral music.

As is evident in these works, Børresen was a highly talented Danish composer. His first symphony bears some resemblance to Tchaikovsky's Sixth, in particular in the last movement that ends quietly like Tchaikovsky's. However, it is an independent, assured symphony that is well worth hearing. Indeed, after listening to it several times, it is difficult to understand why this tuneful and highly likeable work is not played regularly in concerts anymore. Ole Schmidt and the Saarbrücken orchestra certainly make a strong case for the music.