“Music, like life, is inextinguishable” declared Nielsen in characteristically upbeat mood. The leading Danish composer of his generation, whose stature in his native country was akin to that of Sibelius in Finland, Nielsen developed a personal style of composition, particularly evident in his six symphonies and two operas, that combined expansive lyricism with unbridled energy. The three Concertos occupied a special place in his affections; the violin was his own instrument and the Violin Concerto was written for his son-in-law Emil Telmányi, while the Flute and Clarinet Concertos were written for two of the players who gave the first performance of the Wind Quintet.