Czech Philharmonic ⬩ Alan Gilbert

The name Carl Nielsen (1865–1934) does not appear on Czech orchestral programmes very often, but he was certainly more than just “Denmark’s most famous composer”. His music stands up against the great composers of the late romantic era and is most often compared with the works of Jean Sibelius. Nielsen not only composed six symphonies, three concertos, two operas, but also many works for chamber music, voice and piano. 

During this century, the Danish composer has found a major advocate in American conductor Alan Gilbert, former Music Director of the New York Philharmonic, and current Chief Conductor of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra. It is perhaps not surprising then that Gilbert has chosen Nielsen’s music for his Czech Philharmonic debut: “Nielsen’s music follows the tradition of Beethoven, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky, but with peculiar Danish fingerprints. It is entirely approachable, fresh, captivating, and it simply speaks to people.”

The Helios Overture owes its creation to Nielsen’s stay in Athens which led him to create a musical depiction of the sun rising and setting over the Aegean Sea. With regards the Fifth Symphony written in the 1920s, many performers see it as a reflection on the First World War; the composer himself admitted that “none of us are the same as before the war”. When asked to explain the work, Nielsen spoke in more general terms, however, describing it as “the division of dark and light, the battle of evil and good”, which, like his previous symphonies, expresses, “resting forces in contrast to active ones.” 

Between the Nielsen Overture and Symphony will be performed Mozart's Piano Concerto No.20 in D minor. The soloist is a frequent and exceptionally popular guest of the Czech Philharmonic: Kirill Gerstein who is one of today’s most sought-after pianists.