»Music is the shorthand of emotion.« (Leo Tolstoy)
As an international concert pianist, besides solo recitals, Frederik Magle has performed as soloist together with The London Philharmonic Orchestra, The Danish National Symphony Orchestra, and many other outstanding orchestras worldwide.
When playing solo recitals, he has specialized in the art of free piano improvisation. Unique music, created in the same moment it is performed, giving the audience an extraordinary and singular experience that can never be repeated. Only very few classical pianists improvise today, but years ago improvisation was a popular art form performed by such composers and piano virtuosos as Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, and many others.
The music itself is created without any preparation, but demands great mental preparation and virtuosity by the pianist, and an extremely high level of concentration during the performance. Below are examples (and some free downloads) of Frederik Magle's piano improvisations.
Live improvisations recorded on the Steinway model D concert grand piano in Saint Paul's Church, Copenhagen.
»The Morning Sea« Piano Fantasia (Improvised as sunbeams illuminate the church)
Piano Fantasia on »Sommerens Ø« (The Isle of Summer, by Mogens Jermiin Nissen / Piet Hein)
»Via Dolorosa« (Dramatic improvisation on the Passion of Christ)
»Du danske sommer, jeg elsker dig« (Improvisation on Otto Mortensen's melody to Thøger Larsen's poem)
»Den blå anemone« (Improvisation on Egil Harder's melody to Kaj Munk's poem)
»Nu falmer skoven trindt om land« (Postlude improvisation on J. H. Nebelong's melody to Grundtvig's hymn)
»Jeg ved en lærkerede« (Improvisation on Carl Nielsen's melody to the Danish children's song)
Piano improvisation, 3:45
Three improvisations recorded in December 2010. Grand piano: Steinway model D, concert grand.
A composition and a transcription, both recorded on the Steinway concert grand in Saint Paul's Church, Copenhagen.
»Sunset« for Piano (New 2026 recording with scrolling sheet music)
J. S. Bach: Toccata & Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 (Transcribed for piano by Frederik Magle)
Hear more music on Frederik Magle's official YouTube channel.
Frederik Magle is available for engagements as piano soloist for concerts, festivals, cultural events, churches, and other occasions. For smaller and more personal events, he also offers house concerts and private concerts featuring original compositions, improvisations, and audience participation in intimate settings.
© 2026 Frederik Magle Publishing ApS. All rights reserved.