Episode 2
Donald Macleod introduces two works inspired by paintings - Nielsen's first opera and the symphony he subtitled 'The Four Temperaments'.
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Carl Nielsen, Denmark's best-known composer.
He dicusses Nielsen's relationship with the Royal Theatre, affected by his attempt to gain recognition as conductor there, and which ultimately led to his resignation. But his work as composer for the stage was constantly in demand and while he was still a violinist with the Theatre Orchestra, he wrote the first of his two operas.
With an excerpt from Saul and David, which was inspired by a Renaissance painting of David and Goliath, plus a complete performance of another visually inspired work - the symphony Nielsen subtitled 'The Four Temperaments'.
Graeshoppen
Canzone-Koret
Frans Rasmussen (conductor)
Danacord DACOCD 368 Tr 5
Song for the May Festival of the Kolding Grammar School
Song of the Siskin
Canzone-Koret
Frans Rasmussen (conductor)
Danacord DACOCD 368 Tr 12
Saul og David (excerpt)
Saul ...... Aage Haugland (bass)
David ...... Peter Lindroos (tenor)
Jonathan ...... Kurt Westi (tenor)
Mikal ...... Tina Kiberg (soprano)
Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra
Neeme Jarvi (conductor)
Chandos CHAN 8911/12 CD1 Trs 7-9
Symphony No 2
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Osmo Vanska (conductor)
BIS-CD-1289 Trs 1-4.
Last on
Music Played
![]()
Carl Nielsen
Graeshoppen
Performer: Canzone-Koret Performer: Frans Rasmussen (conductor)
- Danacord DACOCD 368.
![]()
Carl Nielsen
Song for the May Festival of the Kolding Grammar School
Performer: Song of the Siskin Performer: Canzone-Koret Performer: Frans Rasmussen (conductor)
- Danacord DACOCD 368.
![]()
Carl Nielsen
Saul og David (excerpt)
Performer: Saul ...... Aage Haugland (bass) Performer: David ...... Peter Lindroos (tenor) Performer: Jonathan ...... Kurt Westi (tenor) Performer: Mikal ...... Tina Kiberg (soprano) Performer: Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra Performer: Neeme Jarvi (conductor)
- Chandos CHAN 8911/12 CD1.
![]()
Carl Nielsen
Symphony No 2
Performer: BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra Performer: Osmo Vanska (conductor)
- BIS-CD-1289.
Broadcasts
- Tue 3 Nov 200912:00BBC Radio 3
- Tue 3 Nov 200922:00BBC Radio 3
Beethoven Unleashed – the box set
The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.
What was really wrong with Beethoven?
Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems
Composers A to Z
Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.
Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week
The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s best stories from the last 20 years
Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem
What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?
A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...
The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.
Composer Help Page
Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.
