Winding, August (1835 - 1899)

[Reverie]

August Henrik Winding was born in Tårs, Denmark, near Sandby on the island of Lolland. His father was a clergyman who collected and arranged Danish folk songs; he was also an excellent pianist who became his son's first music teacher.

In 1847, August's parents sent the 12 year old to Copenhagen for musical education. He stayed there at the house of J.P.E. Hartmann and was given piano lessons by Carl Reinecke until the latter's departure for Paris in 1848. He was also taught theory and composition by Niels Gade.

In 1856 he went to Leipzig for further studies, and then had lessons with Alexander Dreyschock in Prague.

His public career was originally as a pianist; he became rapidly the leading pianist of his day in Denmark, but also played throughout most of Europe, specialising chiefly in the repetoire of Beethoven and Mozart.

In 1867 he injured his arm through overwork, which forced his retirement as a performer but also enabled him to devote himself to composing.

Most of his work is forgotten. The Piano Concerto Op.16 is his most famous work today.

August Winding was one of Edvard Grieg's closest friends.

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Nordic Overture Op.7 - 1864

It's an early orchestral piece but confident and assured. It's dedicated to Grieg himself.

It's runs for about 13 minutes. Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMzQMNqjeHI

[semloh]

Thank you. It's a fine piece.