Obscure Music Monday: Gade's 4 Idyllen

Niels Wilhelm Gade (Feb. 22, 1817 - Dec. 21, 1890) born in Copenhagen, was the son of an instrument maker. Gade, a violinist, composer, and conductor, started his career with the Royal Danish Orchestra as a violinist, and was able to see compositions of his played by the orchestra. Felix Mendelssohn was an early champion of Gade's work, and they became close associates. Robert Schumann was a good friend as well, and the influence of the significant composers of the German Romantic style (Schubert, Schumann, Mendelssohn) can be heard in his works. Gade went on to influence other composers himself, such as Edvard Grieg and Carl Nielsen. Despite being considered one of the most important Danish composers, Gade's works are not programmed very often. 

One of Gade's works for piano is 4 Idyllen, and this entry looks at the third and fourth movements, Birds of Passage, and Evening-Twilight. Birds of Passage starts off with an energetic arpeggio, as cheery as can be. There's a brightness to this movement that's reminiscent of Mendelssohn! In Evening-Twilight, you'll hear more of Schumann. This tranquil movement in 6/8 has a bottom line of sixteenth notes with a sleepy-sounding melody above, and the influence of the German Romantic style is on full display throughout!

We're on the hunt for a recording of this piece to share with you! Let's hope we find this lovely composition soon!