For Brass Band, Choir, Organ, and Percussion — Commemorating The Battle of Copenhagen
Frederik Magle's 'The Hope' ('Håbet' in Danish) for brass band, choir, organ and percussion, depicts and commemorates the Battle of Copenhagen (Slaget på Reden, 1801). It was commissioned by the Danish Admiral Fleet in cooperation with The Reformed Church of Copenhagen (where the commander of the Danish fleet, Olfert Fischer is buried) and premiered on the eve of the 200th anniversary of the battle in 2001.
You can listen to the full recording directly, or download it in different formats:
Original score:
An extended version was published in 2014, adapted for full "British brass band", from the original score, by Thomas Nielsen:
'The Hope' is published by Edition Wilhelm Hansen.
The work has two parts or movements; Part 1 is purely orchestral (brass band, organ, and percussion) while Part 2 includes a choir in addition to the orchestra, with text from Psalm 27. The first movement can be performed on its own (duration: 6-7 minutes), in case there is no choir available. The duration of the full work is approx. 14-15 minutes.
Aside from commemorating the battle of Copenhagen itself, 'The Hope' also commemorates Olfert Fischer, however the main intention behind the music is to honor and remember the sacrifices and casualties on both sides - and not only in the gruesome 1801 battle, but in war in general.
The first performance of 'The Hope' took place in Reformert Kirke (The Reformed Church), Copenhagen, on April 1st, 2001 and was repeated on April 2nd. The brass band, choir, and percussion were placed in all corners of the church, giving a full "surround" experience of significant impact. Not least the large bass-drums placed just behind the audience to give the illusion of cannon-fire! During rehearsal two bass drums were broken - the score calls for a fffff...
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