Episode 2

Synopsis

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.

Tracklist

Timings are shown from the start of the programme in hours and minutes.

1. --:--

   Carl Nielsen — Graeshoppen

   Performer: Canzone-Koret
   Performer: Frans Rasmussen (conductor)

   Danacord DACOCD 368, Tr 5
2. --:--

   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, Tr 12
3. --:--

   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, Trs 7-9
4. --:--

   Carl Nielsen — Symphony No 2

   Performer: BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
   Performer: Osmo Vanska (conductor)

   BIS-CD-1289, Trs 1-4.

Broadcasts

1. Tue 3 Nov 2009
   12:00
   BBC Radio 3
2. Tue 3 Nov 2009
   22:00
   BBC Radio 3