Die drei Weisen aus dem Morgenland (The Three Wise Men from the East), Op. 48, No. 2

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.

"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 second movement, "The Three Kings from the East" is striking in texture and tonality. It is a march over pulsing notes, and it's steady progress moves along with the action as the Kings approach Bethlehem.

Suddenly the chorale, "How brightly shines the Morning-Star," a great favorite of the composer, appears, guiding the Kings and letting them (and us) know that the journey is almost complete.

The action slowly subsides, and the dynamics also quiet steadily down until all movement melts away and the music settles down to the hushed ending. The Kings have arrived at the manger.

The mood is dignified and stately, but always reverent and purposeful.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Otto Malling and one of the dedicatee, Gottfred Matthison-Hansen. Also attached is the "Adoration of the Wise Men" by Girolamo da Santacroce (c. 1480-1556), painted c. 1525-1530.