Niels W. Gade (1817-1890) was a significant Danish musical figure in the 19th century, and this book provides an in-depth study of his life and works, exploring his compositional style, nationalist role, literary and musical roots, and search for the poetic.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Niels W. Gade (1817-1890) was a significant musical figure in 19th century Denmark, and this work provides an in-depth English study of his life and works. It explores the evolution of Gade's compositional style, re-evaluates his role as a nationalist composer, and investigates his literary and musical roots. Additionally, it presents descriptions of seven works represented in Gade's compositional diary, shedding light on his search for the poetic.

Niels W. Gade (1817-1890): A Musical Legacy in 19th Century Denmark

Niels W. Gade (1817-1890) was a Danish composer and conductor who left a lasting impact on the musical landscape of 19th century Denmark. This work presents an in-depth study in English of Gade's life and works, providing a comprehensive overview of his musical legacy.

Evolution of Gade's Compositional Style

Gade's compositional style evolved significantly over the course of his career. His early orchestral and chamber works, such as the "Overture to the Carnival" and the "String Quartet in A Major," exhibited a classical style with influences from German and French music. However, as he matured, Gade began to incorporate elements of Danish folk music into his compositions, creating a unique blend of traditional and modern styles.

Re-evaluation of Gade's Role as a Nationalist Composer

Gade's role as a nationalist composer has been a subject of debate among music scholars. While some argue that Gade's music was purely nationalistic, others contend that it was more nuanced and reflected a broader range of cultural influences. This work seeks to re-evaluate Gade's role as a nationalist composer by examining his works in the context of Danish cultural and political history.

Literary and Musical Roots

Gade's literary and musical roots were deeply rooted in Danish culture. He was a prolific writer and poet, and his compositions often drew inspiration from Danish folklore and mythology. This work explores Gade's literary and musical roots, providing insights into the cultural and historical context of his music.

Search for the Poetic

Gade's search for the poetic was a central theme in his music. He believed that music should be a means of expressing emotions and conveying meaning, and he sought to create works that were both beautiful and meaningful. This work investigates Gade's search for the poetic by presenting descriptions of seven works represented in his compositional diary.

Conclusion

Niels W. Gade's musical legacy in 19th century Denmark is a testament to his talent, creativity, and dedication to the art of music. This work provides a comprehensive overview of his life and works, exploring his evolution as a composer, his role as a nationalist composer, his literary and musical roots, and his search for the poetic. By studying Gade's music, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context of 19th century Denmark and the impact that it had on the development of music.

ISBN-13: 9781138736573