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Asger HamerikDanish composer, conductor
Date of Birth: 08.04.1843
Country:  Denmark |
Content:
Biography of Asger Hammerich
Asger Hammerich was a Danish composer, conductor, and music educator. He was born into a family with a strong background in history and music. His father, Peter Frederik Hammerich, was a historian, and his brother, Angul Hammerich, was a musicologist. Hammerich's son, Ebbe Hammerich, also became a conductor.
Early Education and Career
In his youth, Hammerich studied in Copenhagen under the guidance of Johann Peter Hartmann and Niels Gade. In 1862, he went to London to further his studies, and later moved to Berlin to study with Hans von Bülow. However, due to the Danish-Prussian War in 1864, Hammerich left Germany and settled in Paris. It was during this time that he decided to change the spelling of his surname from "Hammerih" to "Hammerich".
In Paris, Hammerich studied under the renowned composer Hector Berlioz. After Berlioz's death in 1869, Hammerich traveled to Italy, then Vienna, and eventually to the United States. In 1871, he became the director of the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, a position he held until 1898.
Later Life and Major Works
In 1900, Hammerich returned to Denmark but did not actively pursue a professional career. His most significant works were composed during his time in the United States. Hammerich composed seven symphonies (excluding a youthful symphony written in 1860), five Northern Suites, a piano quintet, vocal music, and a Requiem (1886-1887), which he considered to be his most significant work. Additionally, he composed four operas during his pre-American period.
Hammerich's music is closely aligned with the French tradition. While his earlier works show the influence of his teacher, Berlioz, his later works are comparable to the compositions of César Franck. His Seventh Symphony (1898), which was named in German unlike his previous symphonies, has been compared to the symphonies of Gustav Mahler.
Overall, Asger Hammerich's contributions to music as a composer, conductor, and educator greatly enriched the Danish and international music scene.
