Die Hirten auf dem Felde (The Shepherds in the Field), Op. 48, No. 1

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, 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 Geburt Christi, Op.48 " was published by William Hansen in 1893. Consisting of 12 movements, these pieces, as with others works from the extended cycles, are described by Malling as "Mood Pictures." The set is dedicated to Gottfred Matthison-Hansen (1832-1909)

The first movement, "The Shepherds in the Field" is a dramatic portrait of the Annunication of the Angels to the Shepherds that Christ is born in Bethlehem. As with all of these works, Malling shows himself to be an expert at "painting the scene."

Initially the mood is dark and dozy. The sheep are quiet, moving slowly if at all. The colors are dark, but not somber.

Suddenly, the Star appears. Softly at first, the light grows in brilliance, and the angels arrive in glory, proclaiming the news of salvation.

The shepherds go in haste to Bethlehem, in a procession, and a chorale section leads the way to the climax, and God's glory reigns.

The mood gradually softens, and the shepherds return home with music similar to the opening, but now in the tonality is major, and all is at peace.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Otto Malling and one of the dedicatee, Gottfred Matthison-Hansen. Also attached are several classic paintings of the Annunciation to the Shepherds.