Carl Nielsen and the Idea of Modernism

Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) remains arguably the most underrated composer of his international generation. This book offers a critical re-evaluation of Carl Nielsen's music and his rich literary and artistic contexts. Drawing extensively on contemporary writing criticism and the newly completed <I>Carl Nielsen Edition</I> the book presents a series of case studies centred on key works in Carl Nielsen's output. Topics covered include his relationship with symbolism and fin-de-siècle decadence vitalism counterpoint and the Danish landscape. Running throughout the book is a critical engagement with the idea of musical modernism - a term which for Nielsen was fraught with anxiety and yet provided a constant creative stimulus.