On the Way to Damascus (Paulus), Op. 78, 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.

"Paulus" was published by Hansen in 1903. It is a supremely dramatic and emotional work, and quite technically demanding.

The first movement, "On the Way to Damscus" is based upon the passage from Acts, as found in the First Comment.

It is immediately clear that we are travelling along a road. Malling uses his unique harmonic language to color the scene for us.

The procession is suddenly interrupted by the "conversion chords" - that appeared in the first movement. This is the light from heaven. This time, the chords became increase the tension and terror, and we hear the Lord call unto Saul three times, each time answered by crashing chords until everything stops, and Saul falls to the ground, blind.

The men with Saul hear the voice but see no one there, and stand dumbstruck and speechless.

A moment of serene peace follows, almost like a blessing, and Saul, now blind, is led by the hand to his home to await the message that the Lord has promised he would send.

We wait with him.

The score is attached below, as well as art depicting the conversion, and several new photos of Malling.

The scriptural reference is given in the First Comment.