Watch therefore (Ein Requiem für die Orgel), Op.75, 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.

"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 third movement, "Watch therefore" is inspired by the the Gospel of St. Matthew, 25. 13: Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour when the Son of man cometh.

This movement is one of the most complex sections of the entire work. It begins in a rather calm E major, but even from the start, there is an odd counter rhythm in the accompaniment, and before long, a series of passages which bring an ongoing acceleration and crescendo. The score is black with notes, and the music portrays the fear and frenzy at that hour when the Son of man does come.

The chaos subsides, both in movement and volume, but even at the hushed end, calm is never fully achieved.

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

Tomorrow: "The faith."