The music of Johan Halvorsen (1864-1935) has been somewhat neglected in general, so it's good to welcome the first volume in a series from that old Chandos stalwart, Neeme JÃ¤rvi, conducting the Bergen Philharmonic in the Grieghallen, Bergen, Norway.  Inspired by romantic music coming out of France, Halvorsen's is colourfully scored.Apart from the "Entry March of the Boyars", which has remained a popular lollipop, and the First Symphony which Kritian Ruud has recorded for Simax, the contents of this selection will be unfamiliar. Chandos engaged that fine violinist Marianne Thorsen for the "Andante Religioso", the solo violin sounding fuller and smoother compared with the CD issue.  The Symphony's more densely scored parts don't smudge in the acoustic. -Peter Joelson --Audiophile Audition - June 28, 2010