Open AccessCarl Nielsen under the Influence. Some New Sources for the First Symphony
Author(s) -
David Fanning
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
carl nielsen studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2245-5809
pISSN - 1603-3663
DOI - 10.7146/cns.v3i0.27741
Subject(s) - symphony , originality , allusion , prima facie , musical , literature , philosophy , art , aesthetics , epistemology , sociology , social science , qualitative research
Nielsen’s general musical affinities are often mentioned, and in some cases they are well documented. But even in a work as characterful and characteristic as the First Symphony, there are several prima facie cases of allusion to specific works – from Berlioz to Lange-Müller – that have not previously been identified. The point of proposing and discussing them here is not to downgrade the originality of Nielsen’s symphonic breakthrough piece, but rather to lead towards a closer understanding of what makes it unique, by showing how it borrows ideas only to go beyond them and to reveal new potential.