Danish classical musician biography

Bronze horns and the golden age

The earliest traces of Danish music go back to twisting horns, or "lurs,” used in the Bronze Age about 500 B.C. What is often called Denmark’s Golden Age of music took place in the 1800s, when a group of classical composers inspired by Romantic nationalism emerged.

Niels W. Gade (1817-1890) was the best-known among them. His ballad Elverskud (The Elf King's Daughter) is considered his masterpiece. Gade also had great impact as a music teacher.     

Other notable Danish musicians:

Svend Asmussen (1916-2017) was of the preeminent performers of the swing jazz era. He made records with many fellow prominent jazz artists.

Danish composers 20th-century

Alex Riel (1940-) is a jazz musician and drummer who has played with a number of international jazz musicians. He was also a co-founder of the Danish rock band Savage Rose, formed in 1968, with an original sound led by the expressive singer Annisette. The group was offered an international career early on b