Nielsen: Early Chamber Music - Violin Sonata in G major, Duo for 2 Violins No.1, Romance in D major, etc

It's always so enjoyable to hear a different side of a composer, an aspect of his/her compositional output considerably different from the established norm. Such is the case with this album of the violin and string chamber music of Carl Nielsen. These seven pieces, all written between the ages of 16 and 24, vary considerably from his more frequently heard works like the symphonies and concertos. These chamber works are anything but juvenile, though. They are clearly rooted in the classical tradition and lack Nielsen's mature tonal palate, but they are still filled with strong part writing for each instrument, enjoyable melodies, and clever accompaniments. Of course, the success of a composer's lesser known works depends heavily on the performance they are given. In this case Georgios Demertzis and the New Hellenic Quartet go well beyond simply convincing listeners of the merit of these works. Every aspect of their playing makes listeners wish Nielsen had given them more to play in this genre. The unity of the ensemble is very tight, with articulation, dynamics, and other nuances matching seamlessly from instrument to instrument. Nielsen, like Haydn and early Beethoven, gave the majority of the melodic work to the first violinist. Georgios Demertzis assumes this responsibility brilliantly, producing a warm yet powerful tone that never overshadows the intricacies of the inner voices. Chamber music aficionados and those unfamiliar with Nielsen's early works should do themselves a favor and check out this very enjoyable album.