I was born 22 February 1817, and died on 21 December 1890. I was great friends with Misters Mendelssohn and Schumann, as well as my teacher and step-father J.P.E. Hartmann. I composed 8 symphonies (no. 5 with piano obbligato) as well as a few Danish cantatas, 3 violin sonatas, unpublished string quartets, and a delightful string octet, written in homage to the late Mendelssohn.
In addition to my compositions, I was also an active conductor and teacher. While teaching at the Royal Conservatory in Copenhagen, I personally admitted Carl Nielsen to the school. I also gave the Danish premieres of many important works such as Beethoven's 9th Symphony, Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, and Bach's B-Minor Mass.
