Contemporary Danish Works
Jørgen Jersild
Composer
Jørgen Jersild (1913 – 2004) is in the unique position of having his relatively few, though extremely personal works well-known beyond the boundaries of the Scandinavian countries.
For many years, he was also Professor of Music Theory at the Royal Academy of Music in Copenhagen, and his music theory books are used in many music Academies around the world. His compositions include chamber music, vocal music, orchestral works, and scenic and dramatic works, including film music for director Carl Th. Dreyer.
Jersild`s works for harp occupy a central position, and many of these have been dedicated to the distinguished harpist, Osian Ellis, who has performed the works worldwide.
His music is characterized with one of the most difficult aspects in art that only a composer with extreme breadth of view can achieve: simplicity.
In 1999 Jørgen Jersild was awarded the Carl Nielsen Honorary Prize.