Therefore did my heart rejoice - Give them rest (Ein Requiem für die Orgel), Op.75, No. 6

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 sixth movement, "Therefore did my heart rejoice - Give them rest" is inspired by the Acts of the Apostles 2. 26-27: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad...because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell.

This is an elaborate movement, which begins with a "Verdiesque" statement, played as upon orchestral brass. This passes directly into a joyous Allegro passage that gains energy as it modulates, turning from minor to major, while racing through some rapid passages. The great climax is reached before the music begins to fall away.

There is an abbreviated return to the first movement, where we hear and feel the exhausted throngs pleading forward, but soon, all is peace and rest.

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