Johann Peter Emilius Hartmann, born on May 14, 1805, in Copenhagen, Denmark, and deceased on March 10, 1900, stands as a pillar of 19th-century Danish music. His prolific career encompassed a vast spectrum of compositions, from orchestral overtures to intimate piano works, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in the Danish Golden Age — the period of creative flourishing in Danish art and culture. Hartmann's style bridged the classical traditions of his early years with the burgeoning Romantic sensibilities of his prime. He was a contemporary of other Nordic composers such as Niels W. Gade and Edvard Grieg, who had similar influences on Scandinavian music.

A scion of a musical family, Hartmann was truly a titan of his era, serving as the organist at the Copenhagen Cathedral for over five decades. His influence extended beyond the keys and pipes; he was instrumental in spearheading Danish musical life, participating in the founding of the Royal Danish Academy of Music in 1867, where he later acted as a director and teacher. Hartmann's music, including the ballet "A Folk Tale" and his numerous piano works, reflects a deep national sentiment infused with the Romantic fervor of the times. This fusion resonates across the 19th century and echoes into modern concert halls, with recent collections of his piano works reminding us of his enduring mastery and contribution to classical music.

Genres

Danish Classical

Latest Release

Hartmann: Piano Works, Vol. 5

Johann Peter Emilius Hartmann

Album - 20 Tracks - Released October 27, 2023