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.
Last on
More episodes
Previous
You are at the first episode
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: BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: John Storgårds.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: BBC 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: BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: John Storgårds.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: BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Thomas Dausgaard.Performer: London S O Ensemble
- LSO Live: LS 00694.
Broadcasts
- Mon 19 Sep 201112:00BBC Radio 3
- Mon 19 Sep 201118:30BBC Radio 3
- Mon 22 Apr 201312:00BBC Radio 3
- Mon 22 Apr 201318:30BBC 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.
