Herbert Blomstedt

Percussion brings a certain foundation to the orchestral sound of music. It also can add character, drama and tension. Conductor Herbert Blomstedt, considered a specialist when it comes to music by Carl Nielsen specialist, says the Swedish composer wanted one additional quality from the percussion section - and one instrument in particular.

Born in the U.S. to Swedish parents, Herbert Blomstedt is the highly respected former conductor of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. He is currently a frequent guest conductor of the world's leading orchestras.

The music heard here is Carl Nielsen's Symphony No 5 (Decca, 460988).