The Danish composer and organist Rued Langgaard was born in Copenhagen. His father, a pianist and composer, had been a pupil of Liszt and his mother was also a pianist. He made his debut as an organist at the age of 11. Largely self-taught as a composer, he had early success in Berlin, when performances of his works were given by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, while Danish critics remained sceptical. He was successful in Germany and at home his works were broadcast; otherwise he had little support, although eventually, in 1940, he was able to secure a position as organist at Ribe Cathedral in Southern Jutland.

Opera

Langgaard’s only stage work, the ‘opera mystery’ Antikrist, was completed in early 1923, using the compo...