Day of Anger (Ein Requiem für die Orgel), Op.75, 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.

"Ein Requiem für die Orgel, Op. 75" was published by William Hansen in 1902. It is dedicated to Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921).

Malling describes these works as "Mood Pictures," and this is exactly what they are.

The work consists of six movements, each dealing with passages from the Scriptures. It is not a "traditional requiem" as such, as it does not follow the format of the Requiem Mass.

The second movement, "Day of anger" is inspired by the the Gospel of St. Matthew, 24. 35: Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

This movement is really what I'd call a "mini Dies Irae," as all the elements of terror, fierce anger, the ending of time and the passing away of the world are present. It's in a stormy E-flat minor, which transitions into F-sharp major for awhile.

The terror subsides, and the music begins to fall away little by little, suddenly interrupted by a thunderous final chord of F-sharp major.

I tell you this so you don't turn up your volume expecting a soft ending... ;-)

The score is attached below, as well as several photos of Otto Malling and one of Camille Saint-Saëns.

Tomorrow: "Watch therefore."