The Shepherds in the Field (Die Hirten auf dem Felde), 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 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.

The "Shepherds in the Field" is the first movement of the three movement work, "Die Geburt Christi," published in 1893, and dedicated to the Danish organist, Gottfred Matthison Hansen (1832-1909). It is actually quite a well-known work, as it seems to appear in a lot of "Christmas anthologies." I've "seen it" for years but never heard it or tried it before, and discovered that really is an excellent piece!

It begins darkly, as if the shepherds are huddled in the cold gloom, and then, the brilliance rapidly increases, as the angels come and deliver the message that Christ is born in Bethlehem.

The excited shepherds rouse themselves and begin their journey, and the piece reaches a tremendous climax as we hear the "Crusaders Hymn" played majestically on the full organ. This tune is usually known by the name, "St. Elizabeth."

After the journey to the manger, the "shepherds return, glorifying God," and one hear them depart one by one, until the single note of a single shepherd's pipe is heard...

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of Otto Malling, one of Gottfred Matthison Hansen, one of Copenhagen Cathedral, and a painting of the Angels and the Shepherds.