Nielsen Fantasy Pieces, Op. 2, Double Bass & Piano

Carl Nielsen (1865-1931), the noted Danish composer, studied under Niels Gade (1817-90) at the Copenhagen Conservatory. Nielsen's symphonies, in particular, have won an established place in orchestral literature.

In 1889 Nielsen won the competition for a second violin post in the Royal Danish Chapel Orchestra, the beginning of a sixteen year tenure. He wrote his little Opus 2 pieces just before beginning his new job. They were dedicated to Olivo Krause and were first performed March 16,1891.