Composer Of The Week

Donald Macleod explores Danish composer, Carl Nielsen, through his temperaments 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. This week, 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.Music Featured: Saul og David (Prelude to Act II) Symphony No 2, Op 16, FS29 ‘The Four Temperamen