Niels Wilhelm Gade (22 February 1817 – 21 December 1890) was a Danish composer, conductor, violinist, organist and teacher. He is considered the most important Danish musician of his day.
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Gade was born in Copenhagen, the son of a joiner and instrument maker. He began his career as a violinist with the Royal Danish Orchestra, and saw his concert overture Efterklange af Ossian ("Echoes of Ossian") premiered with them in 1841. When his first symphony was turned down for performance in Copenhagen, he sent it to Felix Mendelssohn. Mendelssohn received the work positively, and conducted it in Leipzig in March 1843, to enthusiastic public reaction. Supported by a fellowship from the Danish government, Gade himself moved to Leipzig, teaching at the Conservatory there, working as an assistant conductor of the Gewandhaus Orchestra, and befriending Mendelssohn, who had an important influence on his music. In 1845 he conducted the premiere performance of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor. He also became friends with Robert Schumann.
At Mendelssohn’s death in 1847, Gade was appointed to his position as chief conductor but was forced to return to Copenhagen in the spring of 1848 when war broke out between Prussia and Denmark.
In Copenhagen Gade became director of the Copenhagen Musical Society (a post he retained until his death) and, establishing a new orchestra and chorus, settled in to a career as the most prominent musician in Denmark. He also worked as an organist; though he lost the prestigious position of organist at Copenhagen Cathedral to J.P.E. Hartmann, he served in the Church of Holmen in Copenhagen from 1850 until his death. Gade was joint director of the Copenhagen Conservatory with Hartmann (whose daughter he married in 1852) and Holger Simon Paulli. An important influence on a number of later Scandinavian composers, he encouraged and taught both Edvard Grieg and Carl Nielsen, as well as lesser figures such as Otto Malling and Asger Hamerik. He died in Copenhagen.
Among Gade's works are eight symphonies, a violin concerto, chamber music, organ and piano pieces and a number of large-scale cantatas, Comala (1846) and Elverskud (1853) amongst them, which he called koncertstykker ("concert pieces"). These products, embraced post-1848 as works of Romantic nationalism,[1] are sometimes based on Danish folklore. Apparently Gade never rated "Brudevalsen" (The Bridal Waltz), and assigned it to the waste paper basket from where, it is rumoured, it was rescued by August Bournonville, to become an essential part of a Danish wedding.
He married Emma Sophie Amalie Hartmann, daughter of J.P.E. Hartmann, in 1852. He remarried in 1857 after her death.
| Year | Op. | Title, scoring, key, and other details |
|---|---|---|
| 1836 | — | Overture, E |
| 1836 | — | Allegro, A minor, String quartet |
| 1837 | — | Andante & allegro molto, F minor String quintet (2 violins, viola and 2 cellos) |
| 1839 | — | Piano trio, B-flat major |
| 1840 | — | Seht', welch ein Mensch! Hymn. Choir a capella. |
| 1840 | — | Hilf uns, Gott, in unserm Streit. Gebeth. Choir a capella. |
| 1840 | 1 | Echoes of Ossian (Efterklange af Ossian), A minor Overture |
| 1840 | — | Fædrelandets muser, ballet, Johannes Frederik Frølich |
| 1840 | 28 | Piano Sonata in E minor (revised 1854) |
| 1840 | — | String quartet, F major |
| 1840 | — | Fem Fædrelandshistoriske Songs |
| — Hvi synges evigt om Spartaner, Daniel Rantzau. Text by Adam Oehlenschläger | ||
| — En Schweitzerbonde staar aarle ved Strand, Den sælsome Jordefærd. Text by Adam Oehlenschläger | ||
| — Der risler en Kilde i Haraldsted Skov. Text by H. P. Holst | ||
| — Før var der knap skrevet paa dansk en Band, Ludvig Holberg. Text by C. Vilster | ||
| — Paa Sjølunds fagre Sletter. Text by B. S. Ingemann | ||
| 1841 | 2b | Spring Flowers (Foraarstoner), 3 Piano pieces. Revised Version 1873 |
| — Allegretto grazioso, F major | ||
| — Andantino con moto, B-flat major | ||
| — Allegretto cantabile, C major | ||
| 1841 | — | 6 Songs. C. E. F. Weyse |
| 1842 | 3 | Agnete and Havfruerne. Solo, female choir and orchestra. Text by H.C. Andersen |
| — Jeg ved et Slot, dets Væg og Tag, Havfruesang | ||
| — Sol deroppe ganger under Lide, Agnetes Vuggevise | ||
| 1842 | 4 | Nordiske Tonebilleder. Piano 4 hands |
| Allegro risoluto, F major | ||
| Allegretto quasi Andantino, F minor | ||
| Allegro commodo, F major | ||
| 1842 | 5 | 1st Symphony, C minor, Paa Sjølunds fagre Sletter |
| 1842 | 6 | 1st violin sonata, A major |
| 1842 | — | Napoli. Ballet by August Bournonville. (H. S. Paulli & Edvard Helsted) |
| 1842 | — | 3 Songs. Text by Chr. Winther |
| 1843 | 10 | 2nd Symphony, E major |
| 1844 | 7 | In the Highlands (I Højlandet), D major. Overture |
| 1845 | 8 | String quintet, E minor. 2 violins, 2 violas, cello |
| 1845 | 9 | Nine folksongs. Soli and piano. Text by ? |
| 1845 | 11 | 6 Songs. Male choir |
| 1846 | 12 | Comala. Cantata. Soli, choir and orchestra. Text after Ossian |
| 1846 | 13 | 5 Songs. Choir a capella. Text by Emanuel Geibel |
| — Der Frühling ist ein starker Held, Ritter Frühling | ||
| — Die stille Wasserrose steigt, Die Wasserrose | ||
| — Wer recht in Freuden wandern will, Morgenwanderung | ||
| — Feldeinwärts fland ein, Herbstlied | ||
| — Im Wald im hellen Sonnenschein, Im Wald | ||
| 1846 | 14 | Overture (No. 3), C major |
| 1846 | — | O du, der du die Liebe bist. Choir and strings. Text by ? |
| 1847 | 15 | 3rd Symphony, A minor |
| 1848 | 16 | Horseman's Life (Ridderliv). 6 Songs. Male choir. Text by C. Schultes |
| 1848 | 18 | Three character pieces, Piano 4 hands |
| — Bortreisen, C major | ||
| — Valpladsen, E minor | ||
| — Hjemkomsten, E major | ||
| 1849 | 17 | Octet, F major, 4 violins, 2 violas and 2 cellos |
| 1849 | 21a | 2nd violin sonata, D minor |
| 1849 | 21b | Three digte. Text by Carsten Hauch |
| — Herr Magnus han stirrer i Vinternatten ud, Knud Lavard | ||
| — Hvorfor svulmer Weichselfloden, Polsk Fædrelandssang | ||
| — Hvi staar du saa ensom o Birketræ, Birken | ||
| 1849 | — | Mariotta. Syngestykke. Text by Carl Borgaard efter Eugène Scribe |
| 1850 | 19 | Akvareller, Piano |
| 1850 | 20 | 4th Symphony, B-flat major |
| 1850 | — | Nordisk Sæterrejse, F major. Lystspil Overture |
| 1850 | — | 3 Songs. Text by H. C. Andersen |
| 1851 | 22 | 3 tone pieces, Organ |
| — Tonestykke, F major | ||
| — Tonestykke, C major | ||
| — Tonestykke, A minor | ||
| 1851 | — | String quartet, F minor |
| 1852 | 23 | Spring Fantasy (Foraarsfantasi). Cantata. Soli, piano and orchestra. Text by Edmund Lobedanz |
| 1852 | 24 | Bilder des Orients. 5 songs. Text by Heinrich Stieglitz |
| — Deine Stimme lass ertonen | ||
| — Milde Abendlüfte wehen, Ständchen | ||
| — Meinen Kranz hab' ich gesendet | ||
| — Ihr habt genug getrunken, Am Brunnen | ||
| — Wenn der letzte Saum des Tages | ||
| 1852 | 25 | 5th Symphony, D minor, Piano |
| 1852 | — | Albumsblade. Piano |
| 1852 | — | 3 Songs |
| - bl. a. | ||
| — Grøn er Vaarens Hæk, Aprilvise. Text by Poul Martin Møller | ||
| 1852 | — | Op thi Dagen nu frembryder. Text by H. A. Brorson |
| 1853 | 26 | 5 Songs. Male choir |
| 1853 | 29 | Novelletter, Piano trio |
| 1854 | 27 | Arabeske. Piano |
| 1854 | 28 | Piano sonata, E minor. Revision of the 1840 sonata |
| 1854 | 30 | Elverskud. Cantata. Soli, choir and orchestra. Text by Chr. K. F. Molbech |
| 1854 | — | Et folkesagn. Ballet by August Bournonville. (Acts I and III; J. P. E. Hartmann composed the music for Act II) |
| 1855 | 31 | Folkedanse. Piano |
| 1856 | — | Udrust dig Helt fra Golgata. Text by Johs. Ewald |
| 1856 | — | O du, der du die Liebe bist. Choir a capella. Text by ? (Tidligere version 1846) |
| 1856 | — | Minde Cantata over Fru Anna Nielsen |
| 1857 | 32 | 6th Symphony, G minor |
| 1857 | 34 | Idyller. Piano |
| — I Blomsterhaven, G major | ||
| — Ved Bækken, F major | ||
| — Trækfugle, D major | ||
| — Bytendæmring, D major | ||
| 1857 | — | Baldurs drøm. Cantata. Soli, choir and orchestra. Text by Adolph Hertz |
| 1857 | — | Fra skitsebanden. Piano |
| 1858 | 33 | 5 Songs. Male choir |
| 1858 | 35 | Foraars-Budskab. Koncertstykke. Choir and orchestra. Text by Emanuel Geibel |
| 1859 | 36 | Children's Christmas (Børnenes Jul), Piano |
| — Jule-Klokkerne, F major | ||
| — Indgangsmarch, A major | ||
| — Drengenes Runddans, A minor | ||
| — Smaapigernes Dans, E major | ||
| — Godnat! F major | ||
| 1859 | — | Barn Jesus i en Krybbe laa. Text by H. C. Andersen |
| 1859 | — | Minde Cantata for Overhofmarschal Chamberlain Levetzau |
| 1860 | — | Andantino, C-sharp minor. Piano |
| 1860 | — | Albumblad, C major. Piano |
| 1860 | — | Danserinden, F major. Piano |
| 1860 | — | Minde Cantata for Skuespiller Nielsen |
| 1861 | 37 | Hamlet, C minor. Overture |
| 1861 | 39 | Michelangelo, F major. Overture |
| 1861 | 40 | Die heilige Nacht. Cantata. Solo, choir and orchestra. Text after August von Platen |
| 1861 | 41 | Four Fantastic Pieces. Piano |
| — I Skoven, B major | ||
| — Mignon, F minor | ||
| — Eventyr, G minor | ||
| — Ved Festen, B major | ||
| 1861 | — | Piano piece, B-flat major. Oprindelig skitse til Fantasistykke op 41 |
| 1861 | — | Scherzino Akvarel. Piano |
| 1862 | 38 | 5 Songs. Male choir |
| 1863 | 42 | Piano trio, F major |
| 1863 | — | Sørgemarch ved Kong Frederik. d. 7.'s Død D minor. |
| 1863 | — | Holger Danskes Songs. Text by B. S. Ingemann |
| — Ved Leire græsse nu Faar paa Vold. Holger Danskes Vugge | ||
| — Vær hilset mit gamle Fædreland, Holger Danskes hilsen til frænderne | ||
| — Kong Gøttrik sad ene paa Leire Borg, Holgers bortsendelse | ||
| — Jeg frit mig tumled i Verden om, Holger Danskes vej | ||
| — Der klang til Danmark en Kæmpesang, Holgers kamp Burmand | ||
| — Til Rosengaarden gik jeg i Jomfruens Baand, Prinsesse Gloriant | ||
| — Tolv Riddere sad ved Kejserens Bord, De tolv jævninger | ||
| — Faner vifted over Sjolde, De elleve jævningers jordefærd | ||
| — Svart længtes jeg efter mit Fædreland, Holgers Orlov and Hjemfart | ||
| — I alle de Riger og Lande, Holger Danskes mærke | ||
| — Hvor Oberon lever, Ved mindernes kilde | ||
| — Vær hilset mit gamle Fædreland, Holger Danskes Tilbagekomst til Danmark | ||
| 1864 | 43 | 3 Fantasi pieces, Clarinet and piano |
| 1864 | 44 | Sextet, E-flat major, 2 violins, 2 violas and 2 cellos |
| 1864 | 45 | 7th Symphony, F major |
| 1865 | 46 | At Sunset (Ved solnedgang). Cantata. Choir and orchestra. Text by A. Munch |
| 1866 | 50 | The Crusaders (Korsfarerne). Cantata. Soli, choir and orchestra. Text by Carl Andersen |
| 1869 | 48 | Kalanus. Cantata. Soli, choir and orchestra. Text by Carl Andersen |
| 1869 | 54 | Gefion. Cantata. Baritone, choir and orchestra. Text by Adam Oehlenschläger |
| 1869 | — | Festsang i Rosenborg Have. Choir and piano. Text by Frederik Paludan-Müller? |
| 1871 | 47 | 8th Symphony, B minor |
| 1871 | 51 | Seasonal Pictures (Aarstidsbilleder). Soli, female choir and orchestra. Text by Carl Andersen |
| — Som Skygger i den dunkle Nat, Sommernat | ||
| — Trækfuglen flyver dristigt op, Løvfald | ||
| — Det flagrer mod Bondens Rude, Julekvæld | ||
| — Hvad dæmrer i Øst bag den rødmende Sky, Løvspring | ||
| 1872 | — | Festmusik til den nordiske Industriudstillings Aabningsfest. Choir. Text by Carl Ploug |
| 1873 | 52 | The Mountain Thrall (Den bjergtagne). Cantata. soli, male choir and orchestra. Text by Carsten Hauch |
| 1873 | 2b | Spring Flowers (Foraarstoner), 3 piano pieces. (revised version of 1841 pieces) |
| — Allegretto grazioso, F major | ||
| — Andantino con moto, B-flat major | ||
| — Allegretto cantabile, C major | ||
| 1873 | — | Festligt præludium over salmen "Lover den Herre". Organ |
| 1874 | 49 | Zion. Cantata. Baritone, choir and orchestra. Text by Carl Andersen |
| 1874 | 53 | Novelletter, F major, Strings |
| 1875 | 2a | Rebus, 3 piano pieces |
| — Scherzo, B-flat major | ||
| — Intermezzo, G major | ||
| — Alla marcia, C major | ||
| 1876 | — | Akvarel, A major, Piano |
| 1877 | — | String quartet, E minor. |
| 1878 | — | Capriccio, A minor. Violin and orchestra |
| 1879 | 55 | En Sommerdag paa Landet, Orchestral suite |
| 1879 | — | Festmusik i anledning by Universitetets 400 Aars Jubilæum |
| 1879 | — | Fiskerdrengen leger ved salten Vesterhav, Fiskerdrengen. Text by Chr. Richardt |
| 1880 | 56 | Violin concerto, D minor |
| 1881 | 57 | Nye Akvareller. Piano |
| — Humoreske, A minor | ||
| — Notturno, E major | ||
| — Scherzo, D-flat major | ||
| — Romanza, A major | ||
| — Capriccio, F major | ||
| 1882 | 60 | Psyche. Cantata. Soli, choir and orchestra. Text by Carl Andersen |
| 1883 | — | Festmusik til nordisk Kunstnermøde |
| 1884 | 61 | Holbergiana, Orchestral suite |
| 1884 | — | Ulysses-March. Forspil til Holberg: Ulysses von Ithaca |
| 1885 | 59 | 3rd violin sonata, B-flat major |
| 1885 | — | Benedictus and Amen. Choir and organ |
| 1886 | 58 | Novelletter, E major, Strings |
| 1886 | 62 | Folkedanse, Violin and piano |
| 1889 | 63 | String quartet, D major |
| 1889 | 64 | Der Strom. Cantata. Soli, choir, piano and orchestra. Text after Goethes Mahomet |
| 1889 | — | String quartet, E minor. Revision of the 1877 quartet |
| Songs for which the year of composition is not known | ||
| Agnete var elsket, uskyldig and god, Vise om Agnete and Havmanden. Text by H. C. Andersen | ||
| Ak kæreste Hr. Gulds, Farvel lille Grete. Text by F. L. Høedt | ||
| Alt oprejst Maanen staar, Fatimes bytensang. Text by Adam Oehlenschläger | ||
| De Bølger rulle så tungt bysted, Liden Kirsten. Text by J. L. Heiberg | ||
| De hvideste Perler i Havet er spredt, Den Elskede. Text by Carsten Hauch | ||
| Der er saa travlt i Skoven. Text by Chr. Richardt | ||
| Der var saa favrt under Lindens Løv. Text by ? | ||
| Der var så sort i Kirken, Den 19. December 1863. Text by Chr. Richardt | ||
| Der voksed et Træ i min Moders Gaard, Hemming spillemands sang. Text by H. C. Andersen | ||
| En Songs henrykt til sit Hjerte trykker, Sommeren begynder. Text by ? | ||
| Farvel mit elskte Moderhjem! Flygtningen. Text by Carsten Hauch | ||
| Fluen flyver om Lysets Skin, Fluen. Text by Gerson | ||
| Fra kvalmfulde Mure. Text by Adam Oehlenschläger | ||
| Går det, Herre, som jeg vil. Salme. Text by N. F. S. Grundtvig | ||
| Hvad toner gennem Skoven. Text by J. L. Heiberg | ||
| Hvor Elven kækt gennem Kløften sprang, Fjeldbroen. Text by Carl Andersen | ||
| Hytten er lukket, Natten er stille, Serenade ved Strandbredden. Text by Chr. Winther | ||
| Højt ligger paa Marken den hvide Sne, Snedronningen. Text by H. C. Andersen | ||
| I din Haand, du lille blinker, Til min egen Dreng. Text by Ludvig Bødtcher | ||
| I Jesu Navn er Løftets Ord udsagt, Bryllupssang. Text by Johs. Petersen | ||
| Jeg gik mig i den dunkle Skov, Jægerens Sommerliv. Text by Henrik Hertz | ||
| Jeg lader Baaden glide frem, En Situation. Text by Chr. Winther | ||
| Køb Herre, Frugter, liflig i Smag and Skær, Den lille Frugtsælgerske. Text by Gerson | ||
| Lette Bølge! Når du blåner, Barcarole. Text by J. L. Heiberg | ||
| Lærken synger sin Morgensang, Fiskerdrengens Vise. Text by H. C. Andersen | ||
| Min lille Fugl, hvor flyver du. Romance. Text by H. C. Andersen | ||
| Natten er saa stille, Barcarole. Text by J. L. Heiberg | ||
| Naar det dufter sødt fra Blomsters Flor. Text by ? | ||
| Paaske vi holde. Text by N. F. S. Grundtvig | ||
| Rinda min Brud! Skalks Sang. Text by Adam Oehlenschläger | ||
| Rosen sidder på tronen, Rosen. Text by Chr. Winther | ||
| Rød Maanen skinner blandt Stjerner smaa, Havfruen. Text by B. S. Ingemann | ||
| Sig Himlen hvælver saa ren and klar, Martsvioler. Text by H. C. Andersen | ||
| Smaa Violer! O hvor sødt, Violerne. Text by Adam Oehlenschläger | ||
| Som markens blomst henvisner fage. Salme. Text by N. F. S. Grundtvig | ||
| Sov sødt i din Vugge, Vuggesang. Text by Niels W. Gade | ||
| Spillemand spiller paa Strenge, Spillemanden. Text by B. S. Ingemann | ||
| Stæren sad paa Kviste, Naar Solen skinner. Text by Barner | ||
| Tre Rejsende drand fra Herberget ud, Den Eenlige. Text by B. S. Ingemann | ||
| Ved Bækken jeg sidder, Pigens Sang ved Bækken. Text by B. S. Ingemann | ||
| Vi grave dybt i sorten Muld, Bjergmandssang. Text by Chr. Winther | ||
| Vi vandre sammen Arm i Arm, Skovsang. Text by Emil? | ||
| Da droben auf jenem Berge, Schäfers Klagelied. Text by Goethe | ||
| Der treue Walther ritt vorbei, Vom treuen Walther. Text by Uhland | ||
| Fahr' mich hinüber junger Schiffer, Der Gondolier. Text by W. Wagner | ||
| Ich bin ein leichter Junggesell, Der Junggesell. Text by Pfizer | ||
| Lebet wohl, geliebte Bäume. Text by Goethe | ||
| Mein Schatz ist auf die Wanderschbyt hin, Volkslied | ||
| Von dem Felsen stürzt' ein Stein, Das Liebes-Denkmal. Text by ? | ||
| Organ works for which the year of composition is not known | ||
| By Højheden oprunden er. Organ | ||
| Aleneste Gud i Himmerig. Organ | ||
| Andante con moto, D minor. Organ | ||
| Andante, C major. Organ | ||
| Andante, G minor. Organ | ||
| Fra Himlen højt kom Budskab her (i). Organ | ||
| Fra Himlen højt kom Budskab her (ii). Organ | ||
| Hvo ikkun lader Herren raade (i). Organ | ||
| Hvo ikkun lader Herren raade (ii). Organ | ||
| Organstykke, C minor | ||
| Sørgemarch. Organ | ||
| Tonestykke, D minor. Organ | ||
| Trio, C major. Organ | ||
| Trio, F major. Organ | ||
| Vor Gud han er saa fast en Borg. Choral & variations. Organ |