This week we’re rehearsing a piece that has two of the most difficult technical passages that I’ve run across thus far in my playing career. Unsurprisingly, it’s a symphony (No. 6) by Carl Nielsen. The last time I gnashed my teeth and rent my garments this much was for Nielsen’s Symphony No. 5. That one might still take the cake for most difficult (the passagework is much longer) work I’ve ever had to perform (in orchestra, at least). Here are the two places that are tying my fingers in knots – enjoy!
The first two pages are from the last movement – the tempo is dotted-quarter = about 90 – 100 beats per minute.
The last two pages are form the first movement – the tempo is quarter = 120 beats per minute or so.