Composer of the Week - Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) - Episode 2

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.