Classical Editor: Rob Barnett

Music Webmaster
Len Mullenger:

Reviews from other months




Rued Langgaard (1893-1952) is a true original, an important Danish composer who is, to our shame, scarcely known in UK. Re-appraisal of his work started in 1960 and he remains a controversial figure. His fate has been likened to those of Charles Ives and Havergal Brian, who only gradually achieved recognition.

Eccentric, and isolated from the musical establishment of his time, Langgaard was a cathedral organist who tried to express in his compositions religious extremes in human existence. Do not be put off by that. These three major early works are dramatic, accessible and refreshingly unpredictable. His first symphony had been performed in Berlin in 1913 when he was 20. Most of the 16 are in single movements, the two here substantial works for large orchestra each lasting under half an hour.

No 4 is by turns restless and romantic, with sections headed rustle of the forest - ray of sunshine -thunder - despair - Sunday morning bells etc. No. 6 is cast as a theme with five variations, in which he exploits its potential to express 'cosmic conflict'. The motto for The Music of the Spheres is "the stars may seem to twinkle kindly, but their message is cold and merciless". A choir repeats Kyrie eleison rapidly, there are passages for a second distant orchestra (conducted by Peter Weiss) and a solo soprano (Edith Guillaume) sings "The gospel of the flowers".

Riveting music, with surprises round every corner. Excellent digital transfers of live performances from 1977-1981 by the orchestra which introduced us to Nielsen not so many decades ago. A great discovery from Discovery!


Peter Grahame Woolf


Peter Grahame Woolf

Reviews carry sales links
but you can also purchase

Return to Index