Die Versuchung (The Temptation), "Aus dem leben Christi", Op. 63, Heft 1, 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 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.

"Aus dem Leben Christi" was published by Wilhelm Hansen in 1897. There are six pieces divide into two volumes, and are dedicated to Alexandre Guilmant.

Malling describes these works as "Mood Pictures," and this is exactly what they are.

The first set of pieces deals with Christmas, and the third set deals with Passiontide and Easter. These pieces from Op. 63 deal with "events" in the life of Christ. Each work paints the scene of the Biblical verses being illuminated.

The second one, "The Temptation" takes its text from the Gospel of St. Matthew. After being baptized by John the Baptist, Jesus was tempted by the devil after 40 days and nights of fasting in the Judaean Desert. At the time, Satan came to Jesus and tried to tempt him. Jesus having refused each temptation, Satan then departed and Jesus returned to Galilee to begin his ministry.

"Die Versuchung" is wild, contrasting the violent clashing of the tempting and the serene and calm majesty of the Lord's Divinity. It's a devil of a ride!

I'll be doing all the works in this series, so, hopefully the next one will appear each day.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Otto Malling, & several depictions of the scene in classic art.