Jairi Tochter (The Daughter of Jairus), "Aus dem leben Christi", Op. 63, Heft 2, 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 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.

These pieces from Op. 63 deal with "events" in the life of Christ. Each work paints the scene of the Biblical verses being illuminated.

"Jairi Tochter" is the first of the second book of the opus. It recounts the story of Jesus raising the daughter of Jairus, a leader of the synagogue.

And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and people making noise, he said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her hand, and the maid arose. (Matthew 9, 23-25)

It is another one of those "exotic" pieces that Malling often wrote. In it, he combines the language of the late romantic period with that rich, dark colors I describe as exotic. He paints the scene vividly, at least for those with an open imagination and free mind.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Otto Malling, and a depiction of the scene in classic art.