Carl Nielsen: Jens Vejmand (Jens Roadman).
Music and Theatre Department, CNS 176a, mu 7409.0464

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The Danish composer Carl Nielsen’s (1865-1931) music to the poem Jens Vejmand (Jens Roadman) by Jeppe Aakjær (1866-1930) became a national scourge which was to haunt the composer for the rest of his life after it had been published and performed in 1907. The social indignation of the words (about poor Jens who breaks stones all his life and dies in poverty in the end) appealed to the man in the street, and the simple, well-balanced tune was easy for everybody to sing – and everybody did. Later Carl Nielsen refined this melodious style in the many songs that he composed during the next 10-15 years.

34.8 x 26.1 cm.

For further information see the website of the Music and Theatre Department on Carl Nielsen.

© Det Kongelige Bibliotek 2003