Leif Kayser was certainly a multifaceted individual. This week on “The Lost Chord,” we’ll listen to some of his music, of course, but we’ll also talk about his many roles.
Born in Copenhagen on 1919, Kayser began his studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in 1936. In Stockholm, he studied composition with Hilding Rosenberg and conducting with Tor Mann. In 1941, he made his debut as a pianist, in Copenhagen, and as a conductor, in Gothenburg.
As a composer, he emerged as one of Denmark’s most promising young symphonists. However, following theological studies in Rome, Kayser was ordained in 1949. He largely abandoned concert music – but you can’t keep a good composer down.
Over time, he began to write for the organ and gradually he produced another symphony. He served as pastor and organist of St. Ansgar Roman Catholic Cathedral until 1964. Then he left the Church to marry and to teach at his alma mater, the Royal Danish Academy of Music.
Kayser died in 2001. He is still regarded as one of the leading organ composers of Denmark.
We’ll hear one of Kayser’s gorgeous symphonies, from 1939. That will be prefaced by “Caleidoscopio,” a work for flute and organ, composed between 1974 and 1976. After a brief introduction, it gradually becomes apparent that the piece is constructed as a series of reflections on the familiar chorale “Von Himmel hoch.” Interesting that a former Catholic priest would write variations on a chorale associated with Martin Luther!
But, like Whitman, Kayser contained multitudes, as composer, organist, pianist, conductor, priest, husband, and teacher. I hope you’ll join me for “Kayser Roles,” on “The Lost Chord,” now in syndication on KWAX, the radio station of the University of Oregon!
Clip and save the start times for all three of my recorded shows:
PICTURE PERFECT, the movie music show – Friday at 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST
SWEETNESS AND LIGHT, the light music program – ALL NEW! – Saturday at 11:00 AM EST/8:00 AM PST
THE LOST CHORD, unusual and neglected rep – Saturday at 7:00 PM EST/4:00 PM PST
Stream them, wherever you are, at the link!
PHOTO: Kayser pulls out all the stops
