Carl Nielsen: Symphony no. 3, Sinfonia Espansiva.
Music and Theatre Department, CNS 64a, mu 8310.2694

First page of the first movement	Second page of the first movement	Third page of the first movement	First page of the fourth movement

Carl Nielsen’s draft in pencil of symphony no. 3 characteristically called Sinfonia Espansiva is dated 30 April 1911. It was composed during the period of July 1910 to April 1911. The positive reception of the work marked a turning point in the position of Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) in the contemporary Copenhagen music environment. With this work he finally achieved the understanding that he had sought until then.
The beginning of the first movement has a drive unheard of in a Danish symphony at the time: the principal theme is practically hurled from the orchestra as an unavoidable necessity after a forged repetition of the note a in the entire orchestra in a more and more condensed rhythm (ill. 1-3). The opening principal theme of the fourth movement has a completely different character: frank and down-to-earth it demonstrates the side of Carl Nielsen known from his many popular songs (ill. 4).

35.5 x 26.7 cm.

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

© Det Kongelige Bibliotek 2003