Peace (Ein Requiem für die Orgel), Op.75, No. 5

Otto Valdemar Malling (1 June 1848 – 5 October 1915) was a Danish composer, from 1900 the cathedral organist in Copenhagen and from 1889 professor, then from 1899 Director of the Royal Danish Academy of Music, Copenhagen. He was born in Copenhagen, and became a pupil of Niels Gade and Johan Peter Emilius Hartmann. 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 "Der hellige Land", and a symphony in D minor. He was a co-founder and vice-conductor of The Concert Society, Copenhagen (1874), supporting himself as organist at various Copenhagen churches. His scores of organ music brought Malling some reputation abroad, but after his death he was soon forgotten in his native country.

"Ein Requiem für die Orgel, Op. 75" was published by William Hansen in 1902. It is dedicated to Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921).

Malling describes these works as "Mood Pictures," and this is exactly what they are.

The work consists of six movements, each dealing with passages from the Scriptures. It is not a "traditional requiem" as such, as it does not follow the format of the Requiem Mass.

The fifth movement, "Peace" is inspired by the Gospel of St. John, 14. 27: My peace I give unto you...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be troubled.

This is a lovely movement with some fine, gently lyrical writing typical of Malling's style. It's essentially in A-B-A format, the second "A" being a COMPLETE repeat of the first section. This makes for a very long movement, which could (should?) be shortened, but I played it full through here.

The middle section, while still quite gentle, is a bit more stressed and false, as opposed to the one, only, true peace of God.

The score is attached below, as well as several photos of Otto Malling and one of Camille Saint-Saëns.

Tomorrow the conclusion: "Therefore did my heart rejoice - Give them rest."

It's quite an exciting piece!

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