Festmusik (1980)

Benna Moe (1897–1983) — Festmusik (1980) for organ

“Festmusik” (1980) was written for Sigurd Peilot, organist of the Domkyrka in Mariestad, Sweden. The quieter middle section (though original) is in the manner of a melody from the Swedish region of Dalarna, the nexus of Swedish folk culture.

Danish musician Benna Moe (1897–1983) was a native of Copenhagen and long active as an organist, pianist, singer, and composer. She was a frequent solo concert performer as well as an active cinema organist. As a composer, she was called upon on several occasions to write works to mark important events in the life of the the Danish and Swedish royal families. Several of her organ works were published in the USA in the late 1920s by the firm Arthur P. Schmidt. She toured frequently in the 1920s and 30s, directing and performing her own compositions. Moe’s output includes works in many genres including numerous instrumental works and more than 200 art songs. Moe undertook her last major concert tour (of Sweden) when she was 84 years old and remained active as a performer and composer until her death.

Published by Wessmans Musikförlag