Imitation bells

Imitations of bells both large and small are a characteristic element in Langgaard's music. Very often what Langgaard tried to 'reproduce' in his music was the sound of church bells and the special devotional atmosphere they evoke. One example of this is to be found in Symphoniy No. 4 Løvfald (Autumn Leaves) (1916).

Take a look at this part of the music in Langgaard's manuscript score below, and listen to the way in which he uses the wind instruments to imitate the bells.

This sample of the score is reproduced with the permission of the Society for the Publication of Danish Music, which published the score of the symphony in 1973.

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