Maria besucht Elisabeth und preiset Gott (The Visitation), Op. 70, No. 2

This work depicts when Mary visits her cousin Elisabeth, and at her greeting, the child leapt with joy in her womb.

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 second movement, "The Visitation" is inspired by the famous verses from the Gospel of Luke, 1:40-48 . As with all of these works, Malling shows himself to be an expert at "painting the scene."

In this work, we find Mary visiting her cousin, Elisabeth, and at her greeting, the child, John the Baptist, leapt with joy in her womb. The music clearly depicts this, and the rapid but light passage work show the happiness of the moment.

The scene reaches a climax, and then gradually falls away, leaving a finality of blissful serenity and calm.

This is not an "Advent work," but we often think of this sacred moment during this season of expectation.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Otto Malling and one of Jacques Daret's painting of the Visitation.

The entire scripture verses are in the First Comment.