The Faith (Ein Requiem für die Orgel), Op.75, No. 4

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 fourth movement, "The faith" is inspired by the the Gospel of St. John, 5. 24: He that heareth my word and believeth on him, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation ; but is passed from death unto life.

This movement seems to be an unusual depiction of the text. It begins with a declamatory statement, straightforward and without fuss. The music moves into a more heroic retelling of this declamatory material. The sections move quickly along, passing through a number of keys before finally bursting out into a sort of carillon-like, pealing finale, concluding on full organ with a final unison note.

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

Tomorrow: "My peace I give unto you."