Die Verkündigung (The Annunciation), Op. 70, No. 1

Today, December 8th, is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is also a time when, in the season of Advent, we recall the angel Gabriel bringing the great news to the Virgin Mary.

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 Gade and Hartmann. in his later career he mainly composed organ works and vocal music, but he also wrote a significant amount of orchestral music, 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.

"Die heilige Jungfrau" was published by William Hansen in 1899. As with others works from these extended cycles, Malling describes these works as "Mood Pictures," and this is exactly what they are. This suite depicts events from the life of the Virgin Mary.

The first movement, "The Annunciation" is inspired by the famous verses from the Gospel of Luke, 1:28-38. As with all of these works, Malling shows himself to be an expert at "painting the scene."

In this section, we find Mary at her spinning wheel, as she as often depicted. The angel Gabriel makes his entrance to deliver the great message that Mary is be the mother of the Son of God. We hear her fear, but this soon turns to joy, portrayed by the rapidly arpeggiated chords, and rapid triplet passages.

When the angel takes his leave, we find Mary again, as she was - humble, devout and obedient.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Otto Malling and one of van Eyck famous painting of the Annunciation.

The entire scripture verses are in the First Comment.