The best orchestra in Denmarkthe Danish Nationalarrived in the U.S. a fortnight ago for the first transatlantic tour in its history. "We are a bit concerned, coming here," said Piccolo Player Johan Bentzon, who is also orchestra president. "You have the most excellent orchestras in the world."
The Danes need not have been apprehensive. In Manhattan last week they played a program of Stravinsky, Dvorak, Grieg and Danish Composer Carl Nielsen, and thoroughly captivated a big audience in Carnegie Hall. The Danes were more relaxed and easygoing (and a bit less precise) than most top U.S. orchestras. They bowed their strings...