Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Saarbrücken, Ole Schmidt - Børresen: Symphony No. 1 (1999) CD-Rip

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.
The Serenade and the Nordic Folk Tunes are not in the same league as the symphony, but enjoyable nonetheless. Yet, if you like romantic music from this period but want something else than Tchaikovsky, Brahms and Mahler, the disc is well worth buying for the symphony alone! Like other forgotten symphonies - Parry's Fourth in particular - this is a hidden gem.