Born:
June 9, 1865
Birthplace:
Sortelung, near Norre Lyndelse, Denmark
Died:
October 3, 1931 in Copenhagen due to heart ailment
Also Known As:
Carl August Nielsen was a 20th century Danish composer, conductor and violinist primarily known for his symphonies.
Type of Compositions:
He is especially notable for his symphonies.
Influence:
Nielsen started playing the violin when he was 6 years old. From 1884 to 1886, he studied at the Royal Conservatory in Copenhagen. He became violinist at the royal chapel in 1889 and from 1908 to 1914, was Kapellmeister at the Royal Theatre. Nielsen also taught at the Royal Conservatory where he eventually became music director in 1931. He also served as music director of the Copenhagen Musical Society from 1915 to 1927.
Musical Work:
His major works include "Symphony No. 2" (The Four Temperaments), "Symphony No. 3" (Sinfonia Espansiva), "Symphony No. 4" (The Inextinguishable), "Saul og David" and "Maskarade."
Interesting Facts:
From 1914 to 1925, Nielsen published arrangements of Danish folk songs. His published works include Min fynske barndom (My Childhood) and Levende musik (Living Music).
Related Video:
Listen to the BBC Symphony Orchestra as they perform Carl Nielsen's "Symphony No. 4" (The Inextinguishable) courtesy of YouTube.
