Johann Hartmann

Johann Peter Emilius Hartmann was a Danish composer and organist, born in Copenhagen on 14 May 1805. He belonged to the third generation of a family that held a central place in Danish cultural life for two centuries. His grandfather Johann moved to Denmark from Germany; his father, August Wilhelm Hartmann, and his uncle were both composers, and Hartmann studied music with them.

From 1829 to 1870, Hartmann held a government post in the legal service. He had become organist at Copenhagen Garrison Church in 1824, and made his debut as a composer in 1832 with the opera The Raven, to a libretto by Hans Christian Andersen. In 1836, he traveled to Germany and France for lessons with prominent musicians; his contact with Louis Spohr had the greatest influence on him. That year, after returning to Copenhagen, he founded the Society for Danish Music, which he led throughout his life. He became organist at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen in 1843 and, in 1867, founded the Copenhagen Conservatory with his son-in-law, Niels Gade. He was named an honorary professor in 1849 and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Copenhagen in 1874.

In 1829, Hartmann married the composer Emma Sophie Amalie Zinn. His works include two symphonies, three operas, three ballets, theater music—particularly for plays by Adam Oehlenschläger—three violin sonatas, three piano sonatas, organ works, and songs. He died in Copenhagen on 10 March 1900.