Hans Christian Lumbye

From Wind Repertory Project
Hans Christian Lumbye

Biography

Hans Christian Lumbye (2 May 1810, Copenhagen, Denmark – 20 March 1874, Copenhagen) was a Danish composer and conductor.

When he was six years old, Lumbye's family moved to Randers, in mid-Jutland, where he began studying violin. When his father, an artillery corporal, was transferred to Odense, Hans gained notice with the melodies and march rhythms he wrote. As a result, he was given lessons in harmony and music theory. At the age of 14, he joined the regimental band as an apprentice trumpeter. He later received an appointment in the Royal Mounted Lifeguards in Copenhagen. While there, he supplemented his meager Lifeguards income by forming an ensemble which played at dance halls and inns in the Copenhagen area.

In 1839, an Austrian orchestra visited Copenhagen, performing the music of Joseph Lanner and Johann Strauss Jr. Lumbye then began a series of concerts "a la Strauss," which became very popular. He and his orchestra performed frequently at the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, and one series of his compositions was inspired by attractions and events in Tivoli. A comment box was placed outside the concert hall so that audiences could suggest titles for his latest compositions.

Lumbye and his orchestra performed triumphantly in Vienna, Berlin, Hamburg, and Leningrad. In 1860, they performed at the coronation of King Carl XV in Stockholm, and in 1867, Lumbye presented several concerts in Paris.

In 1872, Lumbye went to a health resort in Wiesbaden, Germany. When he returned to Tivoli, he realized that his general health, and in particular his hearing, were getting worse. He resigned, thus ending a 30-year tenure at Tivoli. His last public appearance was in 1873 when he led his orchestra in his most famous work, Champagne Galop.

Lumbye was the most celebrated Scandinavian composer of his time and was known as the "Strauss of Scandinavia" as well as the "Danish March King." He composed over 700 works, 40 of which were marches.


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