— A portrait of Carl Nielsen’s instrumental music
- COURSE OFFERED FALL 2025
Teaching Institution: Royal Danish Academy of Music
Faculty: Søren Schauser
Contact: Soeren.Schauser@dkdm.dk
Course Levels: Undergraduate
Tradition with a twist – a portrait of Carl Nielsen’s instrumental music
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Join the Nielsen Experience online and perhaps visit Copenhagen? Explore the musical legacy of Carl Nielsen. Selected candidates will be invited to Copenhagen to connect with fellow GC students and be part of a celebration of Nielsen’s music in 2026!
One of the most fascinating figures in early 20th century European music culture, his choice to reject both musical tradition and modernism left him with an extremely interesting reputation – equally hated by both camps.
Through the course, we explore Carl Nielsen’s life from unassuming military musician to director of the Copenhagen music academy and examine his position amongst contemporaries such as his life-long antagonist Rued Langgaard.
How did Carl Nielsen navigate between tradition and modernism? We will examine that question through a selection of representative instrumental works, such as the world-famous Wind Quintet and Flute Concerto, chamber music, piano pieces, and one of his most well-known organ works – Commotio.
You will also receive 1-2 online masterclasses with individual coaching on interpretation of a work by Carl Nielsen, which you will choose with guidance from RDAM Nielsen experts.
Based on a holistic assessment of participants’ performance, course engagement and commitment, a jury will invite at least one ensemble or musician from each GC partner institution to Copenhagen in 2026.