One of the most influential figures in 19th-century Danish music, Niels Gade's breakthrough came in 1840, when, aged 23, he won a competition arranged by the Copenhagen Music Society. And with the acceptance of his first symphony by Mendelssohn he was able to further his reputation abroad. Donald Macleod is joined by Danish composer and conductor Bo Holten to discuss Gade's early career and musical life in Copenhagen.

Serenata (String Quartet in F) Kontra Quartet
Overture: Echoes from Ossian
Rheinland-Pfalz State Philharmonic, conductor Ole Schmidt
Symphony No 1 in C minor Stockholm Sinfonietta, conductor Neeme Jarvi