Ludvig Albert Hegner (May 1, 1851 - Nov. 7, 1923) was a Danish double bassist and composer, born in Copenhagen. There is not a great deal known about him, and what is known mainly surrounds his work as a double bassist.Hegner studied composition and music theory with Neils Gade, and was also a serious student of the double bass. Hegner became a member of the Danish Royal Theatre Orchestra in 1884, and after two months, became principal. His son and grandson would go on to hold the same position in that orchestra, years later. Hegner played a Viennese instrument made around 1700.

When it comes to his compositional output, Hegner wrote for what he knew best: the double bass. Elegie was written in 1888, and can also be played on the cello. The piano opens up the work, stating the main theme, and then the double bass comes in, repeating the theme. The double bass line is mainly lyrical at first, and touches upon many registers of the instrument. A piano interlude of sorts follows, and when the double bass comes in again, it's on double stops and gets more technically involved for the bassist, and ends on a high harmonic.

Here's a recording of this work for you to enjoy!

Per Dalsgaard Knudsen