Helios Overture, Op. 17/F. 32 [Alf:36-A186501]

Danish composer Carl August Nielsen (1865-1931) wrote his Helios Overture in 1903 during a prolonged stay in Athens, Greece. Inspired by the sun rising and setting over the Aegean Sea, Nielsen titled this concerto overture "Helios" after the Greek word for "sun." Nielsen inscribed the following on the score: "Silence and darkness,/ the sun rises with a joyous song of praise,/It wanders its golden way/ and sings quietly into the sea." The work premiered in Copenhagen at Odd Fellows' Hall on October 8, 1903, Johan Svendsen conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Instrumentation: 3(3rd dPicc).2.2.2: 4.3.3.1: Timp: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set).