6th Symphony Concert

Beethoven's Fourth and Nielsen's Fifth Symphonies share a strong tonal affinity: in both works, harsh rugged landscapes are delicately balanced with moments of surprising tenderness. Nielsen, who was an important exponent of Danish late Romanticism, seems to have found his modern musical voice in this very symphony, first performed in 1922. Robert Schumann once said that Beethoven's Fourth was the most romantic of all his symphonies. Both compositions are heard relatively infrequently on concert programmes, perhaps because Beethoven's Fourth is somewhat overshadowed by its predecessor, the "Eroica", and the subsequent "Fate Symphony". And while Carl Nielsen is celebrated in Denmark and on occasion referred to as its national composer, he is lesser known in this part of the world.

The programme opens with "Subito con forza" by South Korean composer Unsuk Chin. Premiered in 2020, the work bears the dedication "On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Beethovenʼs birth." The name says it all: everything about it is urgent and surprising. Chin quotes Beethoven, but is even more inspired by the irrepressible energy and creative power of the composer she honours.

On the podium is Danish conductor Christian Kluxe, who has made a name for himself in Scandinavia and North America with his lively and refreshing interpretations of Beethoven.