Carl, My Childhood Symphony,
1994
Erik Clausen’s film manuscript
'Carl, My Childhood Symphony', which is about the Danish composer
Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) in his early years, is based on the
composer’s autobiography.
'Our
childhood is of the utmost importance. One thing is certain.
When I compose, I often imagine landscapes and people from
my childhood. The intellectual side of my music is like a
layer, while the atmospheres come from my childhood.' –
Carl Nielsen
At the age of seven Carl was already
an extraordinary child. He was one of 12 children, and being
from a poor family, he was forced to work at an early age
in order to earn money for the family.
As well as the extra income being important,
music was an extremely important part of their daily lives.
Along with his father, Niels Maler, and one of his brothers,
he played at weddings and other festive occasions in town.
This contributed to young Carl’s natural talent for
composition and expressing himself musically.
His ambitious mother, Maren Kristine,
saw his special talent and managed to get him an audition
for the regimental band in which his talent was further developed
by the strict discipline. During this time he began to compose
his own music, being inspired by the people he met during
that time.
The turning point came when he met Oustzen who worked as a
piano player at the local bar. Oustzen was immediately aware
of Carl’s potential and forced him not only to feel
the music but also to stick to his unique way of composing.
Soon Carl began to earn extra money by playing at important
receptions and parties for the upper class. This is where
he falls in love with Anna who won’t have anything to
do with him because of their different social backgrounds.
She goes back to Sweden, which devastates him. Because of
Anna’s reaction, he realizes that he has to work even
harder to be accepted – not only as a musician, but
as a person. He leaves the military in order to be admitted
to the Royal Danish Academy of Music and thus begins his international
career.
'Carl, My Childhood Symphony' is
a poetic story that follows Carl Nielsen’s development
from the age of 7 to 18 when he is admitted to the Danish
Academy of Music. It’s the story of a boy whose life
is steadily influenced by music.
Prices:
Carl, My Childhood Symphony, directed by Erik Clausen, won
two Robert statuettes, the Prix de la Ville, Laon, Best Director
Award, Shanghai, Best Supporting Actress, Riga, and was selected
for competition at the LA Annual Award.
