Yong Hui's comments about C.Nielsen's violin concerto are quite clear.
I would add that the second movement is very typical Nielsen in its
subtle harmonic background, with melancholy, tenderness, but without
ever indulging in facile pathos.  Also, it is very striking in its austere
orchestral writing, leaving the soloist with a bare painful line.  The
finale might be confusing, but under the jester game, Nielsen's intense
and elementary vitality can still be experienced.  Finally, it should be
emphasized that this concerto is very demanding in technical terms, if
not in a very spectacular way.  Few versions are satisfactory under this
respect.  Vengerov gives a clean rendition, but does not seem to comprehend
Nielsen's universe or to be familiar with it (familiarity is a keyword
with this both utmostly original and human composer).  In fact, Menuhin's
version, despite its flaws (if we compare with his absolutely superior
virtuosity in some pieces like Zigeunerweisen), once again comes very close
to the gist and rich ambiguity of this universe.  Nielsen's concerto will
never be a typical concerto and this is its nature...

Thanh-Tam Le