Carl A. Nielsen

Symphony No. 3 op. 27/F. 60

Symphony No. 3, Op. 27 / F. 60 ("Sinfonia Espansiva") was composed in 1910-1911 by Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) during a period of growing artistic confidence as Denmark's leading symphonist. The nickname Espansiva ("Expansive") reflects Nielsen's vision of a work of breadth rather than depicting a specific program. Historically, the symphony stands at the threshold of early 20th-century modernism, blending late-Romantic warmth with Nielsen's increasingly individual language. The work was premiered on February 28, 1912, in Copenhagen by the Royal Danish Orchestra under the composer's direction and was immediately recognized as a major achievement. Notably, its second movement includes an unusual wordless vocalise for soprano and baritone, creating an ethereal, pastoral atmosphere unlike anything in earlier symphonic tradition. Today SYMPHONY NO. 3 remains one of Nielsen's most frequently performed symphonies, firmly established in the international repertoire while standing as pivotal role in the evolution of Scandinavian orchestral music. Instrumentation: 3(3rd dPicc).3(3rd dEH).3.3(3rd dCBsn): 4.3.3.1: Timp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set): Soli Sop & Bar. Reprint edition.