Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Denmark

Birth

:

November 2, 1832 in Roskilde, Denmark

Death

:

October 14, 1909 in Copenhagen, Denmark

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Gottfred Matthison-Hansen was a Danish composer born on August 7, 1832, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was the son of a music teacher, and his father played a significant role in his early musical education. Matthison-Hansen began his musical studies at the age of six, and by the time he was ten, he was already performing in public. Matthison-Hansen's early musical education was focused on the piano, and he quickly became a skilled pianist. However, he soon began to show an interest in composition, and he began to study with the Danish composer Niels Gade. Gade was a significant influence on Matthison-Hansen's musical development, and he encouraged him to pursue a career in composition. In 1852, Matthison-Hansen traveled to Leipzig, Germany, to study at the Leipzig Conservatory. While there, he studied with the renowned composer Felix Mendelssohn, who had a significant impact on his musical style. Matthison-Hansen's time in Leipzig was a formative period in his musical development, and he returned to Denmark in 1855 as a highly skilled composer. Matthison-Hansen's early works were heavily influenced by the Romantic style of music that was popular in the mid-19th century. His compositions were characterized by their lush harmonies, expressive melodies, and dramatic contrasts. One of his early works, the Symphony No. 1 in C minor, was premiered in 1857 and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. Over the next few years, Matthison-Hansen continued to compose prolifically, producing a wide range of works in various genres. He wrote several operas, including "The King's Ring" and "The Elf Hill," which were both successful in Denmark and Germany. He also wrote numerous choral works, including the oratorio "The Resurrection," which was premiered in 1868 and was one of his most significant works. In addition to his work as a composer, Matthison-Hansen was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, where he was a professor of composition and theory. Many of his students went on to become successful composers in their own right, including Carl Nielsen, who is considered one of Denmark's greatest composers. Matthison-Hansen's later works were characterized by a more restrained and classical style. He began to incorporate elements of Danish folk music into his compositions, and his music became more introspective and reflective. One of his most significant works from this period was the Symphony No. 2 in D major, which was premiered in 1880 and was well-received by audiences and critics. Matthison-Hansen continued to compose until his death in 1909. His legacy as a composer and educator has had a significant impact on Danish music, and he is considered one of Denmark's most important composers. His works continue to be performed and recorded today, and his influence can be heard in the music of many contemporary Danish composers.

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