Peter Arnold Heise

Full biography Peter Arnold Heise

Peter Arnold Heise was a prominent Danish composer who lived from 1830 to 1879. He is perhaps best known for his opera "Drot og Marsk" (King and Marshal), which is considered to be his masterpiece and is still performed today. Heise was also known for his numerous songs and romances, which he composed throughout his career. He was a respected figure in Danish musical circles, and his music was widely admired for its emotional depth and melodic beauty.

Although Heise was trained as a lawyer, he decided to pursue a career in music after excelling in the subject at school. Despite his parents' objections, he went on to study music in Leipzig, Germany, where he was exposed to the latest developments in European classical music. He later returned to Denmark, where he became a celebrated composer and a leading figure in the Danish musical scene.

In addition to his opera and songs, Heise wrote six string quartets and a number of other works , including incidental music for plays. He was known for his skill in creating memorable melodies and in setting texts to music. His music was generally conservative in style, but it was also noted for its emotional depth and expressive power.

Overall, Peter Arnold Heise is an important figure in Danish music history, and his music continues to be admired and performed today.