★★★★★ Nelsons strikes a win with his first release with the Boston Symphony

Andris Nelsons Wagner and Sibelius

I anticipated this first release of Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony with high hopes. I've become a great fan of his, and his career has been on a fast upward note. His blessed lack of superficiality is his greatest strength, especially when coupled with his enthusiasm. My only worry with him as a musician is that he would seem susceptible to relying on natural instinct, missing potential for drama. But my concerns have usually been unwarranted.

Starting with Wagner's Tannhaauser Overture, Nelsons stands out for his natural poise and spontaneity. Nelsons is more concerned about freedom of expression than overwhelming power, and he doesn't seek achieve maximum control. Nonetheless, there is an efficacy in the fluidity of his interpretation that enables the lyricism to soar. His feeling of breadth is unmissable. Certainly this is Wagner with a greater emphasis on inner emotion than grandeur. If Nelsons isn't as persuasive as past rivals, this is still an encouraging reading.

Starting out the Sibelius Second Symphony, Nelsons sounds fairly gentle. If he's not aiming for steaming intensity, there's certainly a welcome chill to the performance. The energy animates with quiet anticipation. In the 1st movement, I'd prefer a little more thrust in the main climaxes and more searingly triumphant brass, but even there, it's hard to condemn the interpretation as a whole. Nelsons' enthusiasm is welcome in the 2nd movement, where flexibility is essential to prevent the music turning into a long dirge. Nelsons digs in with impressive energy. He keeps the line moving, though, preventing the scene from becoming staid. Instead of merely shivering in the cold, we hear gentle layers of translucent beauty in the midst of the ice. The magic comes when Nelsons presses on without belaboring the line in the process. We're inspired by the darkness, not buried in it.

It's hard for me to resist smiling when I hear Nelsons start the 3rd movement with uninhibited jollity. The Boston Symphony digs in with great energy, but once again, not a note sounds heavy. The 4th movement continues the same strain of freedom. Nelsons truly lets the music unfold, with conducting that stands out for originality and energy. I'm not sure if I've ever heard this music sound so effortless. Everything is perfectly voiced, especially the thrusts from the trombones and basses. This is unfiltered soulfulness, with a pure, crystal quality. I'm not sure if ever heard the finale so jubilant and yet so intuitive.

This is a great new release that speaks of an inspiring talent meeting fulfillment. This reading of the Sibelius Second jumps to the top of my list, right with Karajan, Bernstein, and Beecham.