Yesterday we marvelled in the wonder of John Cage’s writing for choir, as highlighted in the Gramophone Awards on Wednesday. At the ceremony the magazine also named its Recording Of The Year, choosing Nielsen’s Symphony no.4 (the Inextinguishable) and no.5, as played by the Danish National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Fabio Luisi.

The choice is further evidence that Nielsen’s symphony cycle is acknowledged as one of the finest of the 20^th century, having perhaps taken longer to reach its standing than other more immediate successes. You can listen to the recording below – while reading Richard Whitehouse’s verdict on all six symphonies, recorded by the same forces and reviewed on these pages.