Carl Nielsen's Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, completed in 1911 while staying at Edvard Grieg's family home, bridges 19th and 20th century musical sensibilities with its lush themes and unconventional structure. The work unfolds in two expansive movements—each beginning with a slow introduction leading to a faster section—and showcases Nielsen's originality by beginning in G minor and concluding in distant D major. Despite being a successful violinist himself, Nielsen didn't compose for his own instrument until his mid-40s, creating a work of considerable charm that balances dramatic virtuosity with unexpected whimsy, culminating in an understated rather than fiery conclusion.

Conductor Thomas Søndergård led the Minnesota Orchestra with violinist Johan Dalene in this performance on January 17, 2025.