Carl Nielsen: A Cultural Biography

Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) occupies a prominent place among the European modern composers of the early twentieth century, representing the generation of Richard Strauss, Ferruccio Busoni, Jean Sibelius and Gustav Mahler, and his music is performed throughout the world. Carl Nielsen. A Cultural Biography is the first thoroughly researched and comprehensive biography of Nielsen available to international readers and scholars. Nielsen participated in the lively cultural circles of late nineteenth-century Copenhagen, at a time when Scandinavian writers were in vogue throughout Europe. He travelled extensively during his life but maintained strong ties with his cultural heritage. His prolific output includes works in all genres from advanced symphonies to beloved popular songs. The book received the Carl Nielsen Society Honorary Award 2024. Carl Nielsen. A Cultural Biography is written by a team of researchers at the University of Copenhagen: Michael Fjeldse is full professor of musicology at the University of Copenhagen, working within the field of music history of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; Katarina Smitt Engberg is employed as information specialist at the Royal Danish Library, Copenhagen; and Bjarke Moe is senior editor at The Society for Danish Language and Literature.