Frederik Magle writes music that moves between the monumental and the intimate: from orchestral and choral works to chamber music, organ compositions, and piano pieces, heard in concert halls, churches, and private homes. His music has been performed by the London Philharmonic, the Danish National Symphony Orchestra, and many other ensembles worldwide, and has marked some of Denmark's most significant national occasions, including works written for the Danish Royal Family and music premiered at the reopening of the Royal Theatre after the Covid-19 shutdown. Explore his works.
“...Frederik Magle does not write music for the sake of music. It is not a display of different composition techniques and attitudes. Instead he wants to express something, tell a story, and he uses his technique to create atmospheres and make an impact.”
—Svend Erik Sørensen, Fyens Stiftstidende
An organ improvisation by Frederik Magle on the Danish song 'Du danske sommer, jeg elsker dig' (Thou Danish summer, I love you) – depicting the Danish summer with both thunder and lightning and rain and sunshine. Recorded on the pipe organ in Saint Paul's Church, Copenhagen.
The Fanfare for the Royal Danish Orchestra (Det Kongelige Kapels Fanfare) was commissioned by the orchestra and The Royal Danish Theatre and premiered twice, first as a video recording presented as a gift from the theatre to H.M. Queen Margrethe II on her 80th birthday on April 16, 2020 - and secondly as a live premiere conducted by Thomas Søndergaard at the re-opening of the Royal Theatre on June 7, 2020. The fanfare was the first piece of orchestral music to be performed live in Denmark after the corona-shutdown in the spring 2020.
The fanfare for two trumpets and organ "The Fairest of Roses" (Den yndigste rose) was premiered in Saint Paul’s Church, Copenhagen, on the first Sunday of Advent, December 3rd 2017, in celebration of the church's 140-year jubilee, and the re-dedication of the church tower.
At first I had not intended to base The Fairest of Roses on the Danish hymn “Den yndigste rose er funden” (Now found is the fairest of roses). But as I composed the piece only a few months after the death of my mother - whose favorite hymn it had been - it became an essential influence.
While working on the fanfare, I realized that subconsciously, I had been using fragments of the hymn all along. Eventually, I gave in, and right before the coda the hymn is finally heard in full, concluding a build-up from tiny fragments to completion. The result is a contemplative, mostly gently flowing and almost meditative fanfare celebrating greatness of the more hidden and less apparent kind.
—Frederik Magle
As a performer, Magle appears as concert organist and pianist in concert halls and churches, and at festivals and cultural events. Alongside works from the classical repertoire and his own compositions, he has developed a particular speciality in improvisation within the classical tradition, a rare art among performers today. He is also available for select private concerts and intimate performances. Upcoming public appearances and performances of his music are listed in the concert and events calendar.
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