Compiled by Bendt Viinholt Nielsen, 1996, rev. 2002
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28.7. Rued Langgaard was born in Copenhagen. Parents: Siegfried Langgaard (1852-l9l4), composer, pianist and Royal Chamber Musician, and Emma Langgaard, pianist (née Foss, 1861-1926). Rued Langgaard was their only child. Lived (until 1927) at Niels Juelsgade 7 (4th floor), Copenhagen. 3.9. Christened Rud Immanuel Langgaard in the Garnisons Kirke, Copenhagen. In 1932 Langgaard changed his Christian name to Rued (to avoid the common misconception that Rud was an abbreviation of Rudolf). After the revision of Danish spelling in 1948, he often wrote his name with the letter å (Langgård). |
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5 years old His mother began to give him piano lessons (later he was also taught by his father). This year, and in the following years until 1908, the family spent their summer holidays at the fishing hamlet of Arild (Arildsläge), near Kullen in Sweden. |
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6 years old Played a church organ for the first time. |
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7 years old At 7 he could play Schumann's Davidsbündlertänze and Chopin's
mazurkas. |
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7-8 years old Began to play the organ and compose short pieces for the piano. |
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9 years old Began to paint in oils, after having previously revealed a talent for drawing. Continued with this until about 1907. |
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10 years old Began to study the organ under Gustav Helsted, organist at the Jesuskirken in Valby, and the violin under Chr. Petersen, formerly of the Royal Orchestra. This instruction continued at least until 1906, and gradually his parents stopped giving him piano lessons. |
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11 years old 19.3. First public appearance as an organist and improviser on the organ at a concert in the Frederikskirken (Marmorkirken), Copenhagen. 7.4. His first independent concert as an organist took place in the Marmorkirken. His programme comprised a "free improvisation", a Frescobaldi passacaglia and Alexandre Guilmant's Organ Sonata No. 3. Studied under the composer Johan Svendsen (conductor at the Royal Theatre, Copenhagen). |
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12 years old January. Began to study theory of music at C.F.E. Horneman's Institute of Music, with Horneman himself as his teacher. After the latter's death in June 1906, he continued his studies under Vilhelm Rosenberg. May. Received a grant to continue his studies "In the Name of Art and Science" (Dkr. 200). Until 1910, he twice received a further Dkr. 200 as a grant from the state. 13 years old October/November. The first printed scores, 2 piano pieces and 2 songs, were published by Wilhelm Hansens Musikforlag. Selected works:
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February. Was taught counterpoint by Carl Nielsen for about a month. Continued his studies of musical theory under P.S.Rung-Keller for 3-4 months, after which his father, Siegfried Langgaard, became Langgaard's only teacher. Selected works:
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14 years old 8.3. The choral work, Musae triumphantes, performed at a concert in Copenhagen, marked his debut as a composer. 5.4. Confirmed at the Garnisons Kirke, Copenhagen. 15 years old 15.11. Held a concert consisting of his own compositions for an invited audience in Copenhagen. Selected works:
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6.7 - 24.8. Summer vacation at Tulseboda Brunn in Kyrkhult, Blekinge (Sweden) with his parents. 16 years old 6.12. First performance of the orchestral work, Drapa (Panegyric), for the Danish Concert Society. 10.12 - 3.1.1910. With his parents in Berlin. For the next three years the family spent a few weeks in Berlin around Christmas and New Year's Eve. In this way he met the conductors, Carl Muck, Arthur Nikisch and Max Fiedler. Selected works:
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18.6. - August. Summer vacation at Tulseboda Brunn i Kyrkhult, Blekinge (Sweden) with his parents. 17 years old 13.11. Presents his own compositions for an invited audience in Stockholm. 11.12 - January, 1911. With his parents in Berlin. |
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1.7 - 27.8. Summer vacation in Sundhultsbrunn in Småland (Sweden) with his parents. 18 years old 10.11. Held a concert of his own works at the Garnisons Kirke, Copenhagen. 13.12 - January, 1912. With his parents in Berlin. Selected work:
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Assistant organist for a while at the Frederikskirken (Marmorkirken), Copenhagen. 21.4. Concert in Århus Cathedral, mostly his own works. 22.6 - 24.8. Summer vacation at Tulseboda Brunn i Kyrkhult, Blekinge (Sweden) with his parents. 19 years old 14.10. Charity concert in the Vor Frue Kirke, Copenhagen 16.12 - February, 1913. With his parents in Berlin. Selected work:
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10.4. Concert in Berlin with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under the leadership of Max Fiedler. First performace of Symphony No. 1. 16.6 - August. Summer vacation in Kyrkhult, Blekinge (Sweden) with his parents. The family stayed at the "Rosengården", which later lent its name to the titles of several of Langgaard's compositions. 20 years old 10.12. Took part in a lieder evening with Paul Schmedes in Berlin. Selected works:
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5.1. His father, Siegfried Langgaard, died, and was buried on 10.1. from Frederiksberg Church. February. Received a grant from the Raben-Levetzau Foundation (Dkr.400). 7.4. Debut as a conductor at a performance of Sfinx arranged by the Musical Society, Copenhagen. The score of this work was published almost at the same time by Wilhelm Hansens Musikforlag. 16.6 - 20.8. Summer vacation in Södervik, Värmland (Sweden). 21 years old 17.11. First performance of Symphony No. 2 for the Danish Concert Society. In this period he applied in vain for the job of assistant organist at several churches in Copenhagen. Selected works:
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4 - 22.3. Stayed at the Tyringe Badesanatorium, Scania (Sweden). 1.6 - about 13.8. Summer vacation at Tyringe Badesanatorium. In the period until 1917, assistant organist at the Garnisons Kirke, Copenhagen. Was awarded about 1915 the Lindsted Composer's Bursary (Dkr. 600, spread over three years). Selected works:
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22 years old 13.1. Conducts Sfinx at the Concert Society in Stockholm. 17.1. Concert in Stockholm with his own compositions (songs and chamber music). 12.4. Sfinx performed in Gothenburg. 1.7 - 1.9. Summer vacation at Tyringe Badesanatorium, Scania (Sweden). 23 years old 1.12. Awarded a travelling bursary, the Ancker Bursary (Dkr. 3000). His journey was postponed because of the war and did not take place until 1921. Selected works:
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February. Applied without success for the post of organist at the Christiansborg Slotskirke. For many years after this he applied in vain for the post of organist at a large number of churches in Copenhagen. 7.6 - 28.8. Summer vacation at Kerteminde. 24 years old 23.11. Held a "Musical Soirée" consisting of his own works (piano and vocal music) for the Women's Reading Society. 7.12. Conducted an orchestral concert of his own works in the Odd Fellow Palæ, Copenhagen. Symphony No. 4 was performed for the first time on this occasion. Selected works:
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8.2. Concert of his own works in Ordrup Church (organ, vocal and chamber music). 9.4. Conducted the first performance of Symphony No. 3 for the Danish Concert Society. 14.6 - August. Summer vacation in Kerteminde. 25 years old 31.8. Symphony No. 4 performed in the Tivoli Concert Hall. 1.12 - 23.2.1919. 4 chamber concerts featuring his own works at the Royal Danish School of Music (1.12.1918, 12.1.1919, 9.2.1919 og 23.2.1919). Selected works:
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| 1919 |
The score of Sfærernes Musik (Music of the Spheres) was published by Wilhelm Hansen's Musikforlag. 16.6. First performance during the Nordic Music Festival in Copenhagen of his orchestral work, Sommersagnsdrama (Summer-Legend Drama), later entitled, Saga blot (A Thing of the Past), and in a shortened form Symphony No. 5 (1st version). July. Summer vacation at Ebbeskov near Fakse. Selected works:
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26 years old 25.1. Concert for the Gesellschaft der Berliner Secession, Berlin (songs and piano music). 26.6. Symphony No. 2 performed in the Tivoli Concert Hall. 27 years old August. Summer vacation in Farum. October. Journeys to Hamburg, Bonn, Cologne and Amsterdam. Selected work:
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January - about 30.3. Study trip to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy (paid for by the Ancker Bursary, awarded to Langgaard in 1916). 19.1. In Karlsruhe. Attended a performance of Sfinx. 24.1. Conducted Symphony No. 4 in Heidelberg. 30.4. First performance of the Symfonisk Festspil (Symphonic Festival Play) for the Danish Concert Society, conducted by the composer. May. Awarded an honorary bursary (by the Danish Composer's Association) (Dkr. 1000). July - August. Summer vacation in Farum and Fredensborg. 28 years old 26.10. In Essen. Attended a performance of Symphony No. 2. 26.11. First performance of Sfærernes Musik (Music of the Spheres) in Karlsruhe, attended by the composer. 2.12. Conducted Symphony No. 4 in Darmstadt. Date? Sfinx performed in Bochum. Selected works:
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16.2. First performance for the Danish Music Society of the piano work, Serenata lagunosa - a precursor of Afgrundsmusik (Music of the Abyss). 1.4. Constance Tetens, later the composer's wife, moves in with Rued Langgaard and his mother in Niels Juelsgade. 8.4. Symfonisk Festspil (Symphonic Festival Play) performed in Berlin. 10.5. Orchestral concert in Berlin featuring his own works. The main performance on the programme was Sfærernes Musik (Music of the Spheres) 20.5. In Vienna. Attended a performance of Symfonisk Festspil (Symphonic Festival Play) and Symphony No. 2. 16.6 - 15.9. Summer vacation in Fredensborg. Went to Arild (Sweden) for a few days in August. 29 years old September. The Berlin publishing house, Ries & Erler, published Sonata for violin and piano (No. 2). Selected work:
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15.1. Conducted the first performance of Symphony No. 6 in Karlsruhe. 16.1. Performed the piano work, Psalmen des Abgrunds, i Karlsruhe (a later version was entitled Afgrundsmusik (Music of the Abyss)). March. Mentioned in the national Budget (and received from this time onwards an annual state grant for the rest of his life). 8.6. The opera, Antikrist (Antichrist) was rejected by the Royal Theatre. The work was immediately offered to the theatre again, only to be once more rejected in May 1925. 5.7 - 20.9. Summer vacation in Kregme, near Frederiksværk. 30 years old 26.9. Conducted the Blüthner Orchestra (Berlin) in the first Danish performance of Symphony No. 6 at the Odd Fellow Palæ, Copenhagen. 23.11. Sonata for violin and piano No. 2 was performed at an official Danish concert in Paris (Langgaard was not present). 28.11. Gave a lecture on the music of the future at the invitation of the association, Academicum Catholicum, in Copenhagen. |
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20.1. In Stockholm. Attended the first performance of Sinfonia interna (later entitled The Star in the East). 24.4. Applied for the post of organist at Vor Frue Kirke, København. 17.6 - 22.9. Summer vacation in Kregme near Frederiksværk. 30.9. First performance of String Quartet No. 3 (described as No. 2). Selected work:
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31 years old 29.1. Conducted the Royal Orchestra playing his incidental music for Julius Magnussen's play, "En Digters Drøm" ("A Poet's Dream"), when it was performed for the first time at the Royal Theatre. Many of the succeeding 12 performances were conducted by the composer. 3.4. Studio performance by Süddeutscher Rundfunk of Symphony No. 2. Middle of June - 23.8. Summer vacation in Bagsværd. Selected works:
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32 years old 1.2. Appointed organist ad interim at the Christiansborg Slotskirke, Copenhagen. However, the church was closed on 31.5. 8.3. Conducted a "Popular Concert" of his own works at the Odd Fellow Palæ, Copenhagen. Symphony No. 7 was performed for the first time on this occasion. 10.3. First performance of Sonata for piano (1925) at Plzen, Czechoslovakia. June - August. Summer vacation in Farum. 33 years old 21.11. Death of the composer's mother, Emma Langgaard. Selected works:
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16.2. Married Valborg Constance Olivia Tetens (født 3.12.1891 in Copenhagen) in Holmens Kirke. 16.2. Applied for the post of organist at Sct. Pauls Kirke, Århus. 23.3. Re-première of "En Digters Drøm" ("A Poet's Dream") at the Royal Theatre (cf. 29.1.1925; performed only twice in 1927). Langgaard conducted. 9.4. Applied for the post of organist in Thisted. 11.4. Conducted a "Popular Orchestral Concert" of his own works at the Odd Fellow Palæ, Copenhagen. Among the works performed was Symphony No. 7, which was published at about the same time by Wilhelm Hansens Musikforlag at the composer's own expense. May. Was among the applicants for the vacant post as conductor for the Musical Society in Copenhagen. Founded the Classical Music Society (also called by Langgaard "De kedeliges Musikforening" (The Boring Music Society)), the aim of which was "to perform works of a classical or romantic nature which are seldom or never played (here in Denmark)", including "new (unknown) orchestral works". 11.6. Moved from his childhood home in Niels Juelsgade to a house ("Ermo") near Hakkemosegård between Høje Tåstrup and Sengeløse. July. Summer vacation at Liselund, on the island of Møen. 34 years old 11.9. Organist at the Christiansborg Slotskirke at the monthly services in the period from 11.9.1927 to the summer of 1929, and on certain other occasions, including services held for the Court and the Parliament, up to 1930 or 1931. 10.11 Conducted the first concert arranged by the Classical Music Society, which he himself had founded, comprising works by Schumann, Beethoven and Langgaard (the prelude to "Antikrist"). |
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7.2. Conducted the second concert arranged by the
Classical Music Society, with works by Max Bruch, Bruckner and Wagner.
11.4. Conducted the Clasical Music Society's third and last concert, with works by Wagner, Liszt and Langgaard (Symphony No. 1). July. Summer vacation in Troense, Tåsinge. 35 years old 15.9. Moved to Store Kongensgade 85 (4th floor), Copenhagen. 1.12. Awarded the Lange-Müller Bursary. |
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July. Summer vacation at Liselund, Møen. 22.10. String Quartet No. 5 performed for the first time at The Danish Arts Olympiad in the Forum. |
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36 years old March. Attempted once more to secure the post as conductor for the Music Society, Copenhagen. 6.6. Radio portrait of Langgaard in the series "Contemporary Danish Composers" (orchestral works and songs). Beginning of July - about 1.9. Summer vacation in Troense, Tåsinge. The revised version of the opera, Fortabelsen (Antikrist) (Damnation - Antichrist), was sent to the Royal Theatre, but was not accepted for performance (the work was finally rejected in March 1935). Selected work:
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37 years old 1.7 - 15.8. Summer vacation on Thurø. 38 years old 21.8. Applied, in vain, for the post of organist at the Christiansborg Slotskirke. From 1931-33 he applied for posts at the following churches: Holmens Kirke, Taksigelseskirken, Stefanskirken, Kongens Lyngby kirke and Andreaskirken. Up to 1940 he applied for the post of organist at a large number of churches in Copenhagen and the provinces. String Quartet No. 3 published by the Society for the Publication of Danish Music. Selected work:
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July - August. Summer vacation on Bogø and in Arild (Sweden). |
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39 years old July - September. Summer vacation in Troense and Arild (Sweden). Published his views on church music in an article entitled "Kunst og Salmesang" (Art and Hymn Singing) in the journal, "Kirken" (The Church). 40 years old 12.10. A Rued Langgaard evening was held in Hornung & Møller's Rooms, Copenhagen, as part of a series of evenings organised by the Danish Composers' Association, and dedicated to various composers. Selected work:
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July? - September. Summer vacation on Thurø (and in Troense on Tåsinge?) and in Arild (Sweden). 41 years old 27.9. String Quartet No. 3 performed during the Nordic Music Festival in Oslo. Selected works:
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13.4. Moved to Bredgade 58 A (2nd floor), Copenhagen. 26.5. Minder fra Langelinie (Reminiscences of Langelinie) was played at the gala dinner held for Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Ingrid at Christiansborg on the occasion of their wedding. Early July - about. 19.9. Summer vacation in Troense and in Arild and Helsingborg (Sweden). Selected works:
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42 years old 22.4. First performance by Langgaard of his organ work, Messis, 1. Aften (Messis, 1st Evening), in the Vor Frue Kirke (Cathedral of Copenhagen). 1.7 - 15.8. Summer vacation in Troense. 43 years old September. Vacation in Arild (Sweden). 15.10. First performance by Langgaard of his organ work, Juan (Messis, 2. Aften) (Juan - Messis, 2nd Evening) in the Vor Frue Kirke (Cathedral of Copenhagen). Was not permitted (1937) to perform 3. Aften "Begravet i Helvede" (3rd Evening, "Buried in Hell"). |
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24.4. Moved to Cort Adelersgade 5 (4th floor), Copenhagen. June - about. 18.9. Summer vacation in Skäret (near Arild) and in Arild (Sweden). 8.6. Symphony No. 5 (2nd version) broadcast for the first time by the State Broadcasting Service. Selected works:
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44 years old June - August. Summer vacation in Troense. Later in Arild (Sweden)? |
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9.2. Nikolaj Malko conducted Sfinx at a Thursday Concert. 45 years old June - September. Summer vacation in Arild (Sweden). Selected work:
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46 years old 22.2. Symphony No. 4 performed at a Thursday Concert. 22.5. Excerpt of the opera, Fortabelsen (Antikrist) (Damnation - Antichrist), broadcast for the first time by the State Broadcasting Service. June - July. Summer vacation in Syvstjernen near Værløse. 47 years old 1.8. Appointed organist and cantor at Ribe Cathedral. 1.9. Moved to Gravsgade 177 (later No. 21), Ribe. |
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24.4. Radio portrait of Langgaard in the series "Contemporary Danish Composers" (orchestral works and songs). July - August. Summer vacation in Troense. Selected work: Piano Sonata No. 3 |
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48 years old July. Summer vacation in Troense. Selected work:
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49 years old 31.5. Symphony No. 9 broadcast for the first time by the State Broadcasting Service. July. Summer vacation in Hellerup. 50th birthday on 28.7. Selected works:
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50 years old July. Summer vacation in Hellerup. 5.10. Sfinx performed at a Thursday Concert. Selected works:
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51 years old July. Summer vacation in Hellerup. 52 years old 18.12. The choral works, Endens Tid (The Time of the End) and Angelus, broadcast for the first time by the State Broadcasting Service. Selected works:
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July. Summer vacation in Arild (Sweden). 53 years old Late 1946. Symphony No. 6 published by the Society for the Publication of Danish Music. Selected works:
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July. Summer vacation in Arild, Helsingborg (Sweden), and in Ordrup. 22.7. Symphony No. 10 broadcast for the first time by the State Broadcasting Service. 54 years old 15.9. Radio broadcast (from Ribe Cathedral) of the first performance of the organ work, In ténebras exteriores (Begravet i Helvede) (Buried in Hell). The following day, Langgaard played this composition at a meeting of Danish bishops in Ribe Cathedral. Selected works:
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About the 12-17.4. Stayed at Kattarp near Helsingborg (Sweden). July. Summer vacation in Hellerup. (Probably also stayed for a few days in Arild and Helsingborg (Sweden)). Selected works:
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55 years old 17.3. Symphony No. 6 performed as a Thursday Concert. 7.5. First performance by Langgaard of Høsthimmel i Ribe (Harvest Sky Over Ribe) (later entitled Ribestemninger (Ribe Moods)). (Radio transmission from Ribe Cathedral). July. Summer vacation in Hellerup. (Probably also stayed for a few days in Arild and Helsingborg (Sweden)). Selected works:
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56 years old 7.4. (Good Friday). Performed Messis, 1. Aften (Messis, 1st Evening) in Ribe Cathedral. July - August. Summer vacation in Arild and Helsingborg (Sweden). 57 years old 13.12. Symphony No. 4 performed at a concert transmitted by the State Broadcasting Service to the whole of Scandinavia. 17.12. Held a concert with Aksel Schiøtz in Ribe Cathedral. Selected works:
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28.1. Taken to Ribe hospital after a "stroke", but released immediately. Was on sick leave from the Cathedral for a time. 1.2. 25th anniversary as an organist. 23.3. (Good Friday). Performed Messis, 1. Aften (Messis, 1st Evening) in Ribe Cathedral. 29.6. Awarded the title of Professor honoris causa at the Académie Sainte- Cécile, École moderne de musique in Lausanne, in recognition of his achievements as a composer. Juli. Summer vacation in Hellerup and in Arild (and Helsingborg?) (Sweden). Selected works:
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58 years old 11.4. (Good Friday). Performed Messis, 1. Aften (Messis, 1st Evening) in Ribe Cathedral. 1.5. Moved to Storegade (the present Overdammen) 10, Ribe. 1.6. (Whit Sunday). Played for the last time at a service in Ribe Cathedral. 10.7. Rued Langgaard died in the night between 9.7 and 10.7 at Ribe hospital, after a long period of illness. The funeral took place on 14.7 at Ribe Cathedral, and he was buried on 16.7 at Holmens Cemetery, Copenhagen. |