Lange-Muller: Der Var Engang / Renaissance / Sange Ved Havet (Excerpts)

Featuring

Moshe Atzmon
Susanne Elmark
Michael Kristensen
Johan Reuter
Søren Birch
Aalborg Symfoniorkester

Coro Misto
Peter Erasmus Lange-Müller

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Historical Context

A 1940s recording of the 'Midsummer Song' by tenor Aksel Schiøtz gained immense popularity during the German occupation (1940-45) due to its patriotic message.

Composer Biography

Lange-Müller largely stopped composing in the last 25 years of his life, partly due to the negative reception of his opera 'Vikingeblod' and chronic headaches.

Performer Biography

Moshe Atzmon, the conductor, began his musical education in Hungary and Israel, studying cello, horn, conducting, and composition, and was a professional horn player for several years.

Cultural Impact

Lange-Müller's 'Midsummer Song' from 'Der var engang' became part of Danish cultural heritage, sung at traditional midsummer bonfires across the country.

Composer Biography

Peter Erasmus Lange-Müller (1850-1926) was largely self-taught as a composer, and his wealthy background allowed him to dedicate himself to music.

Recording & Production

This recording includes a world premiere of Lange-Müller's orchestration of a song from his Op. 64 collection, replacing a musically weaker song from Op. 54.

Critical Reception

Carl Nielsen, Denmark's leading composer, described Lange-Müller's music for the play 'Der var engang' as having a 'strangely glowing halo' that would remain with him for life.