Carl Nielsen and the Idea of English National Music

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

Why did Carl Nielsen achieve such a favourable reception in England from the 1950s
on, compared to the rather reluctant recognition in continental Europe? We would
suggest that one reason could be an affi nity of features in his music with the concept of English national music. The affi nity between Vaughan Williams’ image of English national music and perceived characteristics of Nielsen’s style made it easier for English listeners and critics to appreciate Nielsen’s music than for those on the European Continent, and this might help explain the rather favourable reception of Nielsen in Britain.
Original languageEnglish
Book seriesCarl Nielsen Studies
Volume5
Pages (from-to)61-77
ISSN1603-3663
Publication statusPublished - 2012

    Research areas

  • Faculty of Humanities - Carl Nielsen, musicology, national music, England, nationalism, reception history, Cecil J. Sharp, Vaughan Williams

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