Chamber Works: Danish Chamber Players, Bertelsen(Br)

Selections recorded at Fuglsang, Lolland Island, Denmark on 20 May, 1997;
15-17 December, 1998 and; 14-15 April, 1999.
Copenhagen-born composer Jorgen Bentzon was a renaissance man. Bentzon displayed great musical talent at an early age, playing the cello at age seven and studying with Carl Nielsen when he was eighteen. While studying with Nielsen he also took courses in jurisprudence, eventually joining the Ministry of Justice. A great proponent of musical education, Bentzon took great strides in bringing musical education to the masses. Bentzon's music is romantic in spirit and, for the most part, shows the influence of Nielsen.
This recording focuses on Bentzon's chamber music. His early Sonatina for flute, clarinet and bassoon receives an eloquent performance by the Danish Chamber Players. The work's outer movements are in a neo-classical style, while the middle movement adagio is broodingly romantic. The influence of Nielsen is present in the sweeping, grand melody of the Divertimento for violin, viola and cello, played with zest by the string players of the ensemble. Bentzon has an uncanny ability to grasp the potential of each instrument and write music that best suited the sonorities of each. This is an ideal recording for listeners who want to explore the rich Danish musical world beyond Nielsen.