Inextinguishable

Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) is probably the most eminent Danish composer. Known mainly for his talent as a symphonist and for his incidental music for 'Aladdin', he also pushed the boundaries of Romantic music, whether in his work on the voice or his exploration of dissonance. Born in the fairy tale-looking island of Fyn, his music is indeed full of characters: Nielsen was fascinated by the multiplicity of human emotions and personalities. To the extent that they frequently were the source of his musical creativity. After all, he was himself a passionate character, something that transpires in his very scores, in which the composer often hides behind the music. All this week then, inspired by his second and fourth symphonies, Donald Macleod invites you to discover Carl Nielsen's story through the prism of five different aspects of his temperament.

Episode 5: We conclude Nielsen's temperamental story: as he turns 60, celebrated as a Danish hero, Carl still shows the same creative fire as always, constantly in movement.

Symphonic Suite for Piano, Op 8, FS 19
IV. Finale: Allegro
Christina Bjørkøe, piano

Stophic Songs, FS 42
"Saenk kun dit hoved, du blomst" – Op 21, Vol 2, No 1
Barbara Hendricks, soprano
Roland Pöntinen, piano

Edderkoppens Sang [The Spider’s Song] (sung in English)
Ars Nova Copenhagen
Michael Bojesen, director

Jens Vejmand (arr. Finn Savery)
Erik Moseholm, bass
Jørn Elniff, drums
Finn Savery, piano

Helios, Op 17, FS 32
South Jutland Symphony Orchestra
Niklás Willén, conductor

Violin Concerto, Op 33, FS 61
Ia. Praeludium. Largo
Bomsori Kim, violin
Danish National Symphony Orchestra
Fabio Luisi, conductor

Symphony No 6 "Sinfonia semplice", FS 116
IV. Tema con variazioni
New York Philharmonic Orchestra
Alan Gilbert, conductor

Symphony No 4 "The Inextinguishable", Op 29, FS 76
IV. Allegro
BBC Philharmonic
John Storgårds, conductor

Team of the week
Presenter: Donald Macleod
Producer: Julien Rosa
Production Coordinator: Ellie Phillips
Mixing: Pete Walton
Studio Recording: Kane Masawi-Morgan and Jo Langton
Composer of the Week is a BBC Audio Wales & West production for BBC Radio 3