Carl Nielsen, one of Denmark’s most
beloved musicians and composers, was born on June 9, 1865. As a young boy he
was interested in music and managed to learn violin and piano with very little
formal instruction. He eventually learned trumpet as well, and because of that
skill was able to get an appointment as a military musician with the 16th
Battalion at Odense.
A few years later, Nielsen entered the Copenhagen
Conservatory of Music on a hard-won scholarship. There he studied violin and
music theory. He realized that his great interest was in composition, however,
and he began to compose, although Nielson had no formal schooling in that area.
Success came slowly. At first he had to supplement his income from composing by
performing and conducting. Interest in Nielsen’s music blossomed after several performances
of his first symphony, which garnered opportunities and commissions for him. In
1906 Nielsen teamed up with historian Vilhelm Andersen and the result was an
opera based on Ludvig Holberg’s comedy “Mascarade.” The project was at first
regarded by many as sacrilege, but in the end the opera proved a resounding
success with its audiences and Nielson’s popularity and commissions surged
skyward.
At the acme of his career Nielsen reached a crisis, one
both personal and professional. He began to be attracted to other women other
than his sculptor-wife, Anne Marie, and this led to Nielsen’s two illegitimate
children and Anne Marie and Nielsen’s separation in 1919. Also, Nielsen’s
conducting at the Royal Theatre caused him much conflict with his colleagues
and authorities there. Nielsen resigned from his long-held position as a
result. And, to crown the crisis, Nielsen suffered a heart attack.
Life began to look up for Nielsen after a time, however.
His period of illness reunited him with his estranged wife and their three
children, and he again took up his pen. During this time Nielsen wrote his
important wind quintet, inspired by a rehearsal he heard of Mozart’s Sinfonia
Concertante. He also wrote several concertos for solo wind instruments that have
become staples of the repertoire.
Nielsen’s health began to slip again but he refused to
slow down, still voraciously composing and conducting his works. This period
was very fruitful, yielding several piano piece sets, an organ work, and a
couple of cantatas, among other things. While taking part in a production of
“Masquerade,” Nielsen suffered several small heart attacks. His condition
gradually deteriorated until he was hospitalized on October 1, 1931. He died
two days later.
Nielsen left behind numerous fine works. Arguably his most
monumental accomplishment was his six symphonies. His two operas, choral works,
and numerous songs were also masterful accomplishments in their respective
genres. Nielsen wrote several pieces for chamber ensemble and concertos for
string and wind instruments as well. Nielsen’s output for solo piano amounted
to thirteen opus numbers, written through the course of his life; these pieces
are largely rich miniatures in which the composer’s artistic development is
wonderfully displayed. Indeed, Nielsen left a breathtaking legacy of
magnificent music for future generations to enjoy.
Recordings