Christus gebietet dem Sturm Stille (Jesus stilleth the raging of the sea), Op. 63, Heft 2, 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.

"Christus gebietet dem Sturm Stille" is the second work of the second book of the opus. It recounts the story of Jesus calming the raging of the storm at sea.

Please see the FIRST COMMENT for the complete text taken from the Gospel of St. Matthew.

This piece depicts the surging of the sea, the waves getting higher and higher, until finally a tremendous, thundering climax is reached. Suddenly, we hear the voice of the Lord commanding the waters to cease, and the waves gradually fall away, leading into an extended prayer, containing some of the most expressive music that I've encountered in the works of Malling.

Once again, Malling has played the role of the master painter, giving us vivid images of the Bible account being portrayed.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Otto Malling, as well as photos
of some famous paintings which depict the dramatic scene with vivid images.

Tomorrow, "Christ's entry into Jerusalem" will conclude all of Opus 63.