Stilististe træk i Carl Nielsens Violinkoncert, op. 33

Abstract

The article presents a study of Carl Nielsen’s Concerto for Violin, op. 33. It has been suggested that the style of this composition from 1911 sporadically deviates from traditional tonality. Through analyses of its public reception and remarks from Carl Nielsen about compositional style before and at the time of the composition, the article considers whether there is a connection between Nielsen’s expressions about composing and the way in which he is actually composing. It is shown that, in spite of NielsenÕs traditional musical education, the violin concerto already reveals traces of compositional techniques, which are not based on traditional tonality. Seen in a broader perspective, however, the work must still be regarded as a work based on tradition and inspired by traces of Baroque and Classical music.