Nelsons directs with his customary zest and watchful sensitivity, while securing uncommonly articulate results from his dedicated band…a memorably alive and intrepidly characterful conception of the entrancing sweep, elasticity and grip that hits indisputable heights in the bardic second movement and exultant finale, the latter sounding as refreshingly unhackneyed and confident in its stride as I can ever recall…it really does warm the cockles to hear this great orchestra firing on all cylinders in repertoire in which it enjoys such a doughty tradition

this is a performance of great energy, especially in the first movement, which has a huge amount of drive and motion. This is a symphony that has lots of tricky corners for a conductor to negotiate, and Nelsons manages them all with ease; everything seems to flow naturally without any awkward transitions.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra never sounds less than sumptuous. These live recordings...suggest that, in their new music director, Andris Nelsons, the Bostonians have found a kindred spirit. The danger is overkill...Balance that, however, against searing passion and unflagging energy.