The Hope (Magle)

The Hope (Danish: Håbet) is a work for brass band, percussion, choir, and organ written in 2001 by Frederik Magle, depicting the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801.

The Hope also commemorates Olfert Fischer (Commander of the Danish fleet in 1801) who lies buried in the Reformed Church, Copenhagen, where the first performance of the work took place on April 1, 2001, with the Royal Danish Navy Band, the choir of the Reformed church, and Frederik Magle himself on organ.

[1][2] The Hope is not pure program music, but includes highly visual elements in the description of the battle.

[3] Frederik Magle has said of his thoughts behind the music:[3] »In the music I did not wish to glorify the bloodshed of the battlefield, but rather to depict it through the music; above all the work ends with a hope for peace.«The Hope was released on the album Søværnet Ønsker God Vind (The Royal Danish Navy Wishes Godspeed) in 2005 with the Royal Danish Navy Band.

The work is scored for There is also a version for 4 (or more) cornets, 1 flugelhorn, 3 tenor horns, 2 baritones, 2 trombones, 1 bass trombone, 1 euphonium, 2 tubas, 5 percussionists, timpani, choir, and organ.