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A Free Spirit

Donald Macleod considers the reasons behind the differing opinions of Nielsen's music that prevailed at the end of the 19th century.

The Danish composer Carl Nielsen stands at the helm of Scandinavian music. A master symphonist, he's widely regarded as one of the most important composers of his generation. But at the end of the nineteenth century, Nielsen's adventurous and free spirited outlook was regarded with some suspicion. In some quarters his music was deemed to be cool and academic, until his Third Symphony marked a turning point in his career, garnering praise from Nielsen's advocates and opponents alike.

Today Donald Macleod explores the reasons behind some of these differing opinions.

1 hour

Last on

Mon 22 Apr 2013 18:30

Music Played

  • Carl Nielsen

    Act 3; Dance of the cockerels (Hanedansen)

    Performer:Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra Conductor:Neeme Jarvi

    • DG RECORDS : 447-757-2.
  • Carl Nielsen

    no.1c; Jens Vejmand [Jens the road mender]

    Performer: Aksel SCHIOTZ - Tenor Performer: Unknown performer (piano)

    • HMV: 6695.
  • Carl Nielsen

    Symphony No.3 Op.27 (Sinfonia espansiva)

    Singer: Gillian Keith. Singer: Mark Stone. Orchestra: ´óÏó´«Ã½ Philharmonic. Conductor: John StorgÃ¥rds.

    Conductor: Michael SCHONWANDT Performer: Inger DAM JENSEN - Soprano Performer: Poul ELMING - Baritone Performer: Danish National R S O

    • DaCapo : 8.224126.
  • Carl Nielsen

    no.2a; Saenk kun dit hoved, du blomst [Bow your head, flower]

    Inger Dam Jensen - Soprano Ulrich Staerk - Piano

    • DaCapo : 8.224218.
  • Carl Nielsen

    1st movement; Allegro energico

    Ensemble: Danish String Quartet.

    Performer: Danish String Quartet

    • DaCapo : 6220521.
  • Carl Nielsen

    Symphony no. 5 Op.50

    Orchestra: ´óÏó´«Ã½ Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Thomas Dausgaard.

    Performer: London S O Ensemble

    • LSO Live: LS 00694.
  • Carl Nielsen

    Act 3; Dance of the cockerels (Hanedansen)

    Performer:Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra Conductor:Neeme Jarvi

    • DG RECORDS : 447-757-2.
  • Carl Nielsen

    no.1c; Jens Vejmand [Jens the road mender]

    Performer: Aksel SCHIOTZ - Tenor Performer: Unknown performer (piano)

    • HMV: 6695.
  • Carl Nielsen

    Symphony No.3 Op.27 (Sinfonia espansiva)

    Singer: Gillian Keith. Singer: Mark Stone. Orchestra: ´óÏó´«Ã½ Philharmonic. Conductor: John StorgÃ¥rds.

    Conductor: Michael SCHONWANDT Performer: Inger DAM JENSEN - Soprano Performer: Poul ELMING - Baritone Performer: Danish National R S O

    • DaCapo : 8.224126.
  • Carl Nielsen

    no.2a; Saenk kun dit hoved, du blomst [Bow your head, flower]

    Inger Dam Jensen - Soprano Ulrich Staerk - Piano

    • DaCapo : 8.224218.
  • Carl Nielsen

    1st movement; Allegro energico

    Ensemble: Danish String Quartet.

    Performer: Danish String Quartet

    • DaCapo : 6220521.
  • Carl Nielsen

    Symphony no. 5 Op.50

    Orchestra: ´óÏó´«Ã½ Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Thomas Dausgaard.

    Performer: London S O Ensemble

    • LSO Live: LS 00694.

Broadcasts

  • Mon 19 Sep 2011 12:00
  • Mon 19 Sep 2011 18:30
  • Mon 22 Apr 2013 12:00
  • Mon 22 Apr 2013 18:30

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