In the composer's workshop

Periods of composition and revision for Symphonies Nos. 1-16

Composed Revised

This chart clearly reveals three periods. The first period covers the composition of Symphonies Nos. 1-6 in the years 1908-21. From 1925 there followed a period that covered the composition of Symphonies Nos. 7 and 8, as well as revisions of most of the earlier symphonies over a long period of time. It is characteristic that in the case of Symphonies Nos. 7 and 8 the periods of composition and revision were close together, as Langgaard had great difficulties finishing these short works, both of which recalls 19th Century music. The long intervening period from 1925 to 1945 formed Langgaard's '20 lean years'. When he was appointed to the post in Ribe in 1940, his inspiration and desire to compose returned, and the last eight symphonies flowed fluently and naturally from his pen.

BACK INDEX TOP OF PAGE