Am Fusse des Kreuzes - At the Foot of the Cross (Die heilige Jungfrau, Op. 70, No. 6)

Otto Valdemar Malling (1 June 1848 – 5 October 1915) was a Danish composer, from 1900 the cathedral organist in Copenhagen and then Director of the Royal Danish Academy of Music, Copenhagen.

In his later career he mainly composed organ works and vocal music, but he also wrote a significant amount of orchestral music, as well a substantial cantata and a symphony in D minor. His organ music brought Malling some reputation abroad, but after his death he was soon forgotten in his native country.

"Am Fusse des Kreuzes" is taken from "Die heilige Jungfrau, Op. 70" published by Hansen in 1899. It is the sixth movement of the group. It is a group of "scenes" from the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Biblical text portrayed is John:19, 25-27: "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."

It is exactly what the title implies - a portrait of the grief of the Blessed Mother beholding the Agony and Death of her Son. There is a sense of "keeping vigil" about it, emphasized by the continuous "tolling" of something like a "funeral bell."

The end of the piece has a sudden increase in tempo and brightening of the very dark tonality, probably intended to portray the commandment of "Mother, behold you son (St. John). Son, behold your mother."

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Malling throughout his life.

Also attached is van Dyck's painting "The Crucifixion," showing Mary, St. John, the blessed disciple, and Mary Magdalene.

Peace to All.