Performed by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Giordano Bellincampi at their Premier Series concert 'Magnificent Mendelssohn'
Giordano Bellincampi conducts the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Photo: ©Adrian Malloch
Niels Gade was born Copenhagen and, on the way to being a prolific composer, he began as a violinist in Royal Danish Orchestra.
He wrote his first important work when he was 23, in 1841, and it made his name overnight.
The overture Echoes of Ossian was inspired by Scottish epic poems that claimed to be translations from the Gaelic of tales by the ancient warrior-bard Ossian.
These were very influential in Europe at the time and even the Crown Prince of Sweden, named his first son after an Ossian character, at the suggestion of the godfather, Napoleon.
The melody of the main theme is based on a Danish folk song.
Recorded by RNZ Concert, Auckland Town Hall, 17 February 2022
Producer: Tim Dodd
Engineer: Adrian Hollay
