Christi Einzug in Jerusalem (Christ's entry into Jerusalem), Op. 63, Heft 2, No. 3

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.

"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.

"Christi einzug in Jerusalem" is the third and concluding work of the second book of the opus. It recounts the story of Jesus coming to Jerusalem, first weeping over the city, and then his joyful entrance met crowds and shouts of "Hosanna!"

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

This is a very unusual "Palm Sunday Piece," as you'll soon discover! It's unique in many ways, and again we hear the characteristics that are so much a part of Malling's highly personal style.

This group of pieces is "finished" by the three works for Holy Week and Easter, and I give the three links to those in the FIRST COMMENT. They were the first Malling works I had uploaded, and were all the way back in 2015.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Otto Malling, and several works of art show Jesus and his disciples beholding Jerusalem, and then the joyful entrance itself.

THANKS to those who have listened!