Works

Orchestra, sinfonietta

Concerto for cello and orchestra (1975, rev. 1976-1978)

Concerto for cello and orchestra (1975, rev. 1976-1978)

Duration
26 minutes
Instruments
2-2-2-2, 2-2-2-0, timpani, percussion (4), celesta, 2 harps, mandoline, soprano, strings (10-8-6-6-4)
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
11/2 1976 in Aarhus Kongreshus during Young Nordic Music Festival Ulla Rönnborg (cello) Aarhus Symphony Orchestra Jorma Panula, conductor
First performance of the revised version
21/1 1979 in Tivoli Concert Hall, Copenhagen Gerhard Hamann (cello) Danish Radio Sinfonietta (Danish Radio Concert Orchestra) Michael Schønwandt, conductor
Recording
Erling Bløndal Bengtsson Danish National Symphony Orchestra Harold Farberman
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...while Erik Hojsgaard’s Cello Concerto was simply the most sheerly beautiful piece in the festival. Indeed, its trailing tendrils were of an almost Szymanowskian decadence, though with an airier harmony, a more open, even at times skeletal orchestration.

...There were lovely touches of invention, like the occasional evaporation of the harmony to leave fifths in the horns or the late emergence of a soprano voice for two floating wordless phrases, and the form of the work was also novel and successful, a massive cadential climax being the prelude not to the end but to a whole new meandering journey in quieter tones.

Paul Griffiths, The Times

Nyt dansk mesterstykke...
... Som en stribe fragmenter der med nænsom hånd er udklippet fra en mægtig sang, et Lux Aeterna som ligger bag det hele...
...Det er de bittesmå nuancer i disse forrevne brudflader af noget dur-mol-agtigt der tæller her. Og fortæller om at det næsten gør ondt at leve, gør ondt at se på det blændende lys. Og hvor overraskende humant virker så ikke disse to korte ”pletter” hvor en menneskestemme pludselig høres og sætter hele den øvrige musik i et andet perspektiv. Fragmenterne, det krakelerede, pletterne og udklippene samler sig, når de høres på afstand (der er noget bestandigt fjernt i Højsgaards musik) til en meningsfuld strøm der ganske selvfølgeligt bindes sammen og sammenfattes af den afsluttende koral.

Bo Holten, Weekendavisen

Musikken handler om lys. Der er der mange af Højsgaards værker der gør, men ingen kammermusik kan give lyset en sådan mættethed og intensitet, blændende, vildt og dramatisk, men også sitrende sart eller, som i den afskedtagende slutkoral, fredfyldt rosagyldent. Det kan kun orkestret som Højsgaard med sine 24 år behandler med en stærkt personlig fantasi og udtryksvilje og en overrumplende sikkerhed.

Jan Jacoby, Information

Med indsigtsfuld kammermusikalsk brug af et farverigt orkesterapparat har Højsgaard her begået en perle, som - forståeligt nok – selv en travl verdensmusiker som Bløndal Bengtsson vil ofre tid og kræfter på.

Lars Bruun Nielsen, Aarhus Stiftstidende

Det største indtryk gjorde Højsgaards cellokoncert, der havde Erling Bløndal Bengtsson som en helt fremragende solist, og som fik en meget vellykket udførelse. Selv om værket mod slutningen arbejder med ekspressive eksplosioner hæftede man sig navnlig ved, hvor fint det arbejder sig ind i stoffet ved fra starten klangligt at udsøge og afsøge et helt stillestående materiale. Først efterhånden kommer der bevægelse i satsen, sidst i satsens bund, og forløbet udforkser et ekspressive på en rigt varieret måde stedvis med en gribende næsten Alban Berg’sk duft.

Peder Kaj Pedersen, Aalborg Stiftstidende

Concerto for piano and orchestra (1984-85)

Concerto for piano and orchestra (1984-85)

Duration
22 min.
Publisher
Edition·S
Instruments
0-0-3-0, 4-3-0-0, percussion (1), 10-8-6-6-4
Words
Commissioned by
Commissioned by The Royal Danish Academy of Music in connection with the Festival for Danish Music.
Written for
First performance
31/8 1985 in Tivoli Concert Hall, Copenhagen Bohumila Jedlickova (piano) The Royal Danish Academy of Music's Chamber Orchestra Milan Vitek, conductor
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Essay I · Water (2020)

Essay I · Water (2020)

Duration
5 min
Publisher
Instruments
1-1-1-1, 1-1-1-0, percussion (1), harp, piano, 1-1-1-1-1
Words
Commissioned by
Athelas Sinfonietta
Written for
First performance
1/5 2022 in Musikhuset, Copenhagen Athelas Sinfonietta James Sherlock
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Essay II · Dust (2018)

Essay II · Dust (2018)

Duration
6 min
Publisher
Instruments
1-1-1-1, 1-1-1-0, percussion (1), piano, 1-1-1-1-1
Words
Commissioned by
Athelas Sinfonietta
Written for
First performance
1/5 2022 in Musikhuset, Copenhagen Athelas Sinfonietta James Sherlock
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Essay III · Time (2021)

Essay III · Time (2021)

Duration
6 min
Publisher
Instruments
1-1-1-1, 1-1-1-0, percussion (2), harp, piano, soprano (ad lib.), 1-1-1-1-1
Words
Georg Trakl
Commissioned by
Athelas Sinfonietta
Written for
First performance
1/5 2022 in Musikhuset, Copenhagen Frederikke Kampmann (soprano) Athelas Sinfonietta James Sherlock
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Essay IV · Mirror (2016, rev. 2018)

Essay IV · Mirror (2016, rev. 2018)

Duration
6 min
Publisher
Instruments
1-1-1-1, 1-1-1-0, percussion (1), piano, 1-1-1-1-1
Words
Commissioned by
Athelas Sinfonietta
Written for
First performance
17/9 2016 in Utzon Center, Ålborg during the OpenDays festival Athelas Sinfonietta Daniel Moreira, conductor
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Essay V · Venezia (2022)

Essay V · Venezia (2022)

Duration
4 min
Publisher
Instruments
1-1-1-1, 1-1-1, percussion (2), harp, piano, soprano, 1-1-1-1-1
Words
Georg Trakl, Otto Erich Hartleben, Friedrich Rückert, Alfred de Musset, J.P. Jacobsen, Emily Dickinson, Joseph Brodsky, Otto Julius Bierbaum, Claude Debussy, Rainer Maria Rilke, T.S. Eliot, Marcel Proust
Commissioned by
Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Written for
First performance
1/5 2022 in Musikhuset, Copenhagen Frederikke Kampmann (soprano) Athelas Sinfonietta James Sherlock
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Essays I-V (2016-22)

Essays I-V (2016-22)

Each Essay can be performed separately

Duration
27 min
Publisher
Instruments
1-1-1-1, 1-1-1-0, percussion (2), harp, piano, soprano, 1-1-1-1-1
Words
Georg Trakl, Otto Erich Hartleben, Friedrich Rückert, Alfred de Musset, J.P. Jacobsen, Emily Dickinson, Joseph Brodsky, Otto Julius Bierbaum, Claude Debussy, Rainer Maria Rilke, T.S. Eliot, Marcel Proust
Commissioned by
Athelas Sinfonietta
Written for
First performance
1/5 2022 in Musikhuset, Copenhagen Frederikke Kampmann (soprano) Athelas Sinfonietta James Sherlock (first complete performance)
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Four sketches (1989-90)

Four sketches (1989-90)

Duration
20 min
Publisher
Edition·S
Instruments
1-1-1-1, 2-1-1-0, percussion (1), harp, piano, 1-1-1-1-1
Words
Commissioned by
Danmarks Radio
Written for
First performance
7/4 1990 at Louisiana, Humlebæk Esbjerg Ensemble Ansgar Krook, conductor
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Skitserne svarer til deres navn for så vidt som de udpræget lyder som forstudier: Mere forsøg på at formulere et sprog end på at sige noget bestemt. Som sådan lykkes de smukt. På hver sin måde skaber de en enhed af besætningens store instrumentale farverigdom uden at reducere den til blandingsfarver. Der er akvarelagtigt flydende linier, tætte pointilistiske mønstre, virtuost håndterede væv af gennembrudt figurværk og lejlighedsvis dramatiske kontraster.

Jan Jacoby, Politiken

Det er et vellykket musikstykke og det var en meget vellykket opførelse med et ensemble [Århus Sinfonietta] fuld af vilje og lydhørhed.

Jakob Brønnum, Aarhus Stiftstidende

Fragment (1995)

Fragment (1995)

Duration
11 min
Publisher
Edition·S
Instruments
1-1-1-1, 2-1-1-0, piano, 2 vl., 2 vle., 2 vlc., cb.
Words
Commissioned by
Danmarks Radio for the Nicolaj Malko competition 1995
Written for
First performance
1/6 1995 in The Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen Danish National Symphony Orchestra Jan Wagner a.o., conductor
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Værket ... er en skrøbeligt skønhedsmættet fabuleren hvor forskellige udtryk og associationer glider ud og ind af hinanden som i en drøm.

Jan Jacoby, Politiken

Et sært, kantet stykke med mange fascinerende klanglige virkninger.

Steen Chr. Steensen, Berlingske Tidende

Please accept a Sunset (2023-24)

Please accept a Sunset (2023-24)

Duration
21 min
Publisher
Instruments
1-1-1-1, 1-1-1-0, percussion (2), harp, piano/celesta, soprano, 1-1-1-1-1
Words
Emily Dickinson, Patrizia Cavalli et al.
Commissioned by
Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Written for
First performance
5/10 2024 in KoncertKirken, Copenhagen Frederikke Kampmann (soprano) Athelas Sinfonietta Robert Houssart
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Reflection (1977)

Reflection (1977)

Duration
5 min
Publisher
Instruments
2-1-2-2, 2-4-0-0, percussion (2), harp, 3-3-3-2-1
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
11/2 1978 at The Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus Aarhus Symphony Orchestra Tamas Vetö, conductor
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Scherzo e notturno (1982)

Scherzo e notturno (1982)

Duration
10 min
Publisher
Instruments
Brass Band
Words
Commissioned by
Concord Brass Band
Written for
First performance
24/4 1982 at Folkets Hus, Copenhagen Concord Brass Band Valdemar Lønsted, conductor
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Koncertens overraskelse var det nykomponerede ”Scherzo e notturno” af Erik Højsgaard, der normalt udtrykker sig i lyrisk, kammermusikalsk spindelvæv. Den grotesk opløste Scherzo og den spøgelsesagtige og tonalt underminerede Notturno i det nye værk for messing var betydeligt mere kantet og bidsk formuleret, end man er vant til hos denne komponist.

Michael Bonnesen, Information

...marchfigurer og lignende får nyt perspektiv i en spøgelsesagtig skyggetilværelse, højst tvetydigt og måske ikke helt sikkert forløst. Anderledes enkel er nocturnens blide skiften af fint afstemte harmonier, en umiddelbar og ømfindtlig skønhed som næsten ville være mistænkelig uden konfrontationen med den viltre scherzo der også griber direkte ind i sidste sats. Et ret udfordrende værk.

Jan Jacoby, Politiken

Symphony no. 1 (1999-2000)

Symphony no. 1 (1999-2000)

Duration
16 min
Publisher
Instruments
3-3-3-3, 4-3-3-1, timpani, percussion (2), piano/celesta, harp, strings
Words
Commissioned by
Symphonic Variations of Europe in connection with MusikSommerBerlin 2000 Festival.
Written for
First performance
16/6 2000 in Tivoli Concert Hall, Copenhagen The Royal Danish Academy of Music's Sympfony Orchestra Michel Tabachnik, conductor
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Erzähl’s noch einmal, Erik...
...Gemeinsam ist der Musik ein Duktus nervöser Unruhe. Mit jeweils etwa drei Minuten dauern die Sätze nicht lang. Ob die Methode, das gleiche musikalische Material durch wechslende Auswahl, Farbgebung, Instrumentation in neuen Aggregatzuständen zu führen, auch über symphonische Strecken trüge? Es wäre zumindest den Versuch wert.

Die Welt

Et stykke smuk og særegent underfundig poesi i fire satser, nørgårdsk i sin filtrede mangelagethed, men absolut sin helt egen i spindelvævfin snørklet melodik og klanglig farverigdom.

Ursula Andkjær Olsen, Berlingske Tidende

Et forvirrende bekendtskab var den i hvert fald, og ikke mindre i lys af titlen. Der er intet monumentalt eller arkitektonisk ambitiøst over de fire meget korte satser der snarest virker som løsrevne fragmenter, måske glimtvise nedslag i et længere, imaginært forløb. Tanken er udfordrende.
...Alt i alt er det en ”symfoni” der stiller flere spørgsmål end den giver svar. Smuk og uvirkeligt drømmende i sin klang, foruroligende i sin uforudsigelighed og veg i konturerne er den måske ligefrem en polemisk kommentar til det overleverede symfonibegreb.

Jan Jacoby, Politiken

Symphony no. 2 (2002-03)

Symphony no. 2 (2002-03)

Duration
20 min
Publisher
Instruments
3-3-3-3, 4-3-3-1, timpani, percussion (2), celesta, harp, strings
Words
Commissioned by
Aalborg Symphony Orchestra
Written for
First performance
15/1 2004 i Aalborg Congress & Culture Centre Aalborg Symphony Orchestra Ari Rasilainen, conductor
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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I verket skifter store, og mindre, klangflater med hverandre. Dette er ikke statiske klangflater, men variable, slik å forstå at de endrer seg mens vi lytter til dem. Dette oppstykkes med solo innslag i symfoniens forskjellige satser. I første sats en vakker hornsolo, i andre satsen, delikat samspill mellom solo bratsj og cello, i de følgende klarinett og vakkert avsluttende, med harpesolo i den fjerde satsen. Et spennende verk som jeg gjerne skulle ha hørt igjen.

Henning Høholt, Kulturkompasset

...Men åpningen lovet bra. Aalborg symfoniorkester og deres faste gjestedirigent var tydelig fortrolig med "huskomponisten" Erik Højsgaard (f. 1954) og hans symfoni nr. 2 fra 2003, skrevet spesielt for orkesteret. Fra en åpning i kjølig, nesten transparent dissonans vokste verket frem i store og små bølger, i skjøre og spenstige klangfarver. Og de mange kontrastene ble fint tatt vare på av både orkester og dirigent – fullendt i en praktfull uttoning på harpe.

Sven Grotdal, Sandefjords Blad

Untitled (1974)

Untitled (1974)

Duration
10 min
Publisher
Instruments
3-2-2-0, alto sax., 4-3-3-0, percussion (2), guitar, celesta, harp, 10-8-6-6-4
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
7/5 1975 i Aarhus Kongreshus Aarhus Symphony Orchestra Jorma Panula, conductor
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Dramatic Works

Don Juan kommt aus dem Krieg (1989-92, rev. 2005-06)

Don Juan kommt aus dem Krieg (1989-92, rev. 2005-06)

Duration
1h 45m
Publisher
Edition S
Instruments
1-1-1-1, 1-1-1-0, percussion (1), guitar, harp, piano, 1-1-1-1-1
Words
Ödon von Horváth
Commissioned by
The Underground Music Theatre
Written for
First performance
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Danish translation:

Niels Hemmer Pihl

First performance (incomplete version):

9/10 1990 at Ballerup Gymnasium, Copenhagen

Sten Byriel (baritone), Elsebeth Dreisig (soprano), Henriette Bonde Hansen (soprano), Christine Marstrand (soprano), Eva Bruun Hansen (soprano), Hanna Hjort (soprano), Pia Schnack (mezzo soprano), Birgitte Friboe (mezzo soprano), Effie Thing Simonsen (contralto)

Flemming Vistisen, conductor

First performance (complete version):

26/4 1992 at Rosenhaven, Odense

Jesper Buhl (baritone), Elsebeth Dreisig (soprano), Eva Hess Thaysen (soprano), Christine Marstrand (soprano), Eva Bruun Hansen (soprano), Annette Bod (soprano), Pia Schnack (mezzo soprano), Susanne Vinther (mezzo soprano), Effie

Thing Simonsen (contralto)

Members of Odense Symphony Orchestra

Tamas Vetö, conductor

First performance of the revised version:

24/7 2006 in Semper-Depot, Vienna

Christian Miedl (baritone), Rebecca Nelsen (soprano), Petra Simkova (soprano), Ulla Pilz (soprano), Özlem Özkan (soprano), Tamara Gallo (soprano), Elvira Soukop (mezzo soprano), Gisela Theisen (mezzo soprano), Anne Clare Hauf (contralto)

amadeus ensemble-wien

Walter Kobéra, conductor

Der dänische Komponist Erik Højsgaard hat Horváths Theaterstück als Libretto für seine Kammeroper genommen – und seine Musik mit großer Rücksicht auf den Text geschrieben. Dasführt dazu, dass man der Handlung sehr gut folgen kann und zeigt auch, mit welch handwerklicher Liebe zum Detail und zu einer ausgewogenen Struktur Højsgaard gearbeitet hat (das Orchester schweigt etwa zu Beginn, am Ende und zu Don Juans Erkenntnis: ”Kriege wird es immer geben, Fräulein”), verhindert aber andererseits einen großen musikalischen Wurf. Die Partitur hängt an der Moderne, da und dort dürfte Britten Pate gestanden haben, dosiert werden Zitate eingesetzt: Mozart, Verdi, Poulenc etc.

Daniela Tomasovsky, Die Presse

Solides Opern-Handwerk....Ein sehr ordentliches Projekt....Es ist ein solides, gut ausbalanciertes Werk, das vom Premierenpublikum mit Interesse aufgenommen wird.

Daniela Tomasovsky, Die Presse

Hojsgaard schafft Atmosphäre und Stimmung, schichtet ausgiebig Zitate, Klänge und Rhythmen übereinander. Eine schwierige Partitur, die Walter Kobéra und das Amadeus-Ensemble konzentriert bewältigen.

Rainer Elstner, Wiener Zeitung

På alle måder: Scenisk, musikalsk, dramatisk var det en imponerende urpremiere, som Undergrunden med Niels Pihl som instruktør og Tamas Vetö som dirigent præsenterede. Og selve værket – Erik Højsgaards musik til Ödön von Horváths skuespil i Niels Pihls danske oversættelse – er mere end imponerende: En tankevækkende, betagende og talentfuld operadebut.

Jens Brincker, Berlingske Tidende

Operaen beretter om kærlighedens sammenbrud i krigens kølvand med en musik der tøver og lytter, fuld af forunderlig medfølelse. Med fin pensel og en rigdom af nuancer maler den sin frysende atmosfære af råhed og umenneskelighed, tomhed, dekadence og følelseskulde så den bliver nærværende og vedkommende, menneskeskabt og derfor tragisk.
...bag sløret anede man et af de fineste, mest veltalende og fængslende poetiske operapartiturer der i mange år er skabt i dette land.

Jan Jacoby, Politiken

Musikken klinger af overgang mellem senromantik og ekspressionisme. Altså en verden af i går med et strejf af melankoli fra dengang. Et kammerorkester af sinfonietta-typen behandler omhyggeligt og smukt ciseleret et væld af stemmer og motiver. Men man kan næsten ikke høre skovens susen for de mange træer. Og alligevel er musikken så atmosfærefyldt og indtrængende, at den i større flader skaber en atmosfære, som følger den fortræffelige tekst op.

John Christiansen, Jyllands Posten

Fronttheater

Fronttheater

Duration
10 min
Publisher
Instruments
Words
Ödon von Horváth
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
4/8 2018, Hauptbahnhof, Klagenfurt
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Soloists:

Soprano, mezzosoprano, baritone

Arrangement of the Prolog from the opera Don Juan kommt aus dem Krieg.

The lost forest

The lost forest

Duration
45 min
Publisher
Instruments
Baritone, flute, percussion (1), double bass
Words
Commissioned by
Marie Lalander and Corona Dance Theatre.
Written for
First performance
21/11 1980 in Saltlageret, Copenhagen Karl Antz (baritone), Søren Barfoed (flute), Erik Jacobsen (percussion), Rolf Dahl (double bass)
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Chamber Music with Voice

Fragments

Fragments

Landscapes I: New Hampshire

Fragment

These - saw Visions -

Elle est retrouvée

Duration
12 min
Publisher
Edition S
Instruments
Soprano, violin, and guitar
Words
T. S. Eliot, Ole Sarvig, Emily Dickinson, and Arthur Rimbaud
Commissioned by
Trio Soleil
Written for
First performance
25/4 1980 at Aarhus Katedralskole during the NUMUS Festival Hanne Holten (soprano), Henrik Sachsenskjold (violin), Karl Petersen (guitar)
First performance of the revised version
14/9 1981 at the Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen Helle Hinz (soprano), Kim Sjøgren (violin), Karl Petersen (guitar)
Recording
Helle Hinz (soprano), Tim Frederiksen (violin), Karl Petersen (guitar)
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...Fragmenter, et værk af direkte tiltalende skønhed, med komponistens karakteristiske sans for de mindste detaljer.

Bo Holten, Weekendavisen

...mens Højsgaards sange – tilsammen et uhomogent sæt, men hver for sig både substantielle og tankevækkende – førte fra nostalgi til stivnede tanker og toner, der frøs uhjælpeligt fast.

Thomas Michelsen, Politiken

Landet som icke är (1974, rev. 1981)

Landet som icke är (1974, rev. 1981)

Duration
10 min
Publisher
Instruments
Soprano, english horn, string quartet
Words
Edith Södergran
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
27/11 1976 at Louisiana, Humlebæk Inge Hein (soprano), Ole-Henrik Dahl (oboe), Kontra Quartet
First performance of the revised version
15/1 1982 at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, Copenhagen Marianne Lund (soprano), Jørgen Franck (english horn), Boris Samsing og Ellinor Eriksson (violin), Henrik Olsen (viola), Niels Ullner (cello) Kaare Hansen, conductor
Recording
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...det er artistisk, fint udpenslet og overlegent formet musik, der ikke glimrer med nogen høj profil, men på en stilfærdig måde gør indtryk.

Jens Brincker, Weekendavisen

Det er en tyst, intens, nervevibrerende musik.

Robert Naur, Politiken

Sangens gudinde (2000)

Sangens gudinde (2000)

Duration
8 min
Publisher
Instruments
Soprano and guitar
Words
Einar Már Gudmundsson
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
25/3 2001 at Nordjyllands Kunstmuseum, Aalborg Marianne Lund (soprano), Karl Petersen (guitar)
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Six songs of autumn (1976)

Six songs of autumn (1976)

Duration
16 min
Publisher
Instruments
Original version: alto flute, cello, piano, soprano [off stage] Alternative version 1 (1980): alto flute, cello, harp, percussion (1), soprano [off stage] Alternative version 2 (2000): alto flute, clarinet/bass clarinet, guitar, soprano [off stage]
Words
Emily Dickinson
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
24/6 1977 in Reykjavik during Young Nordic Music Festival Marianne Lund (soprano), Anders Ljungar (alto flute), Ulla Rönnborg (cello), Jens Andersen (piano)
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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First performance of alternative version 1:

2/11 1980 at Statens Museum for Kunst

Hanne Holten (soprano), Søren Barfoed (alto flute), Anders Grøn (cello), Sofia Claro (harp), Suzanne Ibstrup (percussion)

Svend Aaquist, conductor

First performance of alternative version 2:

2/12 2000 at Nordjyllands Kunstmuseum, Aalborg

Malene Bichel (soprano), Lars Frederiksen (alto flute), Peter Lindegaard (clarinet/bass clarinet), Karl Petersen (guitar)

Det står en sopran utanför scenen som mot slutet helt stilla sjunger en dikt af Emily Dickinson, en sällsynt poetisk effekt i ett sällsynt poetisk stycke.

Hans Gefors, Tonfallet

Det er en sart, gennemsigtig sats fuld af tåge og dugdråber, og når pludselig en sopran dukker op i baggrunden og synger nogle korte, fragmentariske fraser, virker det som en helt selvfølgelig del af værkets drømmeverden. Den følsomhed, som den meget unge komponist forbinder med et ganske sikkert tag på instrumentbehandling og disposition, er fortsat særdeles lovende.

Jan Jacoby, Information

Seks efterårssange forløb i en afklaret, resignerende atmosfære, poetisk følsom og udtryksfuld i den instrumentale anvendelse og i sangstemmens enkelte strofer.

Flemming Weis, Politiken

Erik Højsgaards ekstremt sparsomme Six Songs of Autumn har en umiddelbar følsom og trist skønhed over sig. Værket kommer aldrig i gang (og forsøger vel at mærke heller ikke på det), men nøjes med ansatser og antydninger, som ligesom skal skabe det resterende forløb i lytterens bevidsthed.

Weekendavisen

Sketch

Sketch

Duration
12 min
Publisher
Instruments
Soprano, flute, oboe, celesta, harp, percussion (2), string quartet
Words
I. P. Jacobsen
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Songs on Poems by Ole Sarvig (2007)

Songs on Poems by Ole Sarvig (2007)

Eftermiddag

Skæbnesang

Sen eftermiddag

Intermezzo

Måneporten

Havet

Timernes bro

Duration
12 min
Publisher
Instruments
Voice and piano
Words
Ole Sarvig
Commissioned by
Adam Riis og Christian Westergaard (Liedkompagniet)
Written for
First performance
4/2 2007 at Fuglsang, Lolland Adam Riis (tenor), Christian Westergaard (piano)
First performance of the revised version
25/9 2007 i Rundetaarn, Copenhagen Adam Riis (tenor), Christian Westergaard (piano)
Recording
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Summer Songs (1981)

Summer Songs (1981)

Præludium

Blomsterritornel 1 (Blomst af violen)

Sommer, min ven

Intermezzo

Blomsterritornel 2 (Dunkle Skabiose)

Intermezzo

En farve

Blomsterritornel 3 (Blomst af Forglemmigeien)

Postludium

Duration
12 min
Publisher
Instruments
Soprano, clarinet, and piano
Words
Emil Aarestrup and Ole Sarvig
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
1/5 1982 at The Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus, during the NUMUS Festival Bodil Gümoes (soprano), Elisabeth Sigurdsson (clarinet), Tove Lønskov (piano)
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Erik Højsgaards Sommersange, som Bodil Gümoes holdt over dåben, er enkle og smukke, så de kan gå ind på et musikforeningsprogram uden problemer.

John Christiansen, Jyllands Posten

The Rose (1981)

The Rose (1981)

Duration
7 min
Publisher
Instruments
Soprano, english horn, string quartet
Words
Edith Södergran
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
15/1 1982 at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, Copenhagen Marianne Lund (soprano), Jørgen Franck (english horn), Boris Samsing og Ellinor Eriksson (violin), Henrik Olsen (viola), Niels Ullner (cello) Kaare Hansen, conductor
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Tuan's Songs (1976)

Tuan's Songs (1976)

Duration
5 min
Publisher
Instruments
Soprano, trumpet, 2 tubas, percussion (1), guitar, piano
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
23/6 1977 in Reykjavik during Young Nordic Music Fesival Marianne Lund (soprano) Members of Iceland Symphony Orchestra Pall P. Palsson, conductor
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Composed together with Svend Aaquist under the pseudonym Svend Erik Aagaard.

Two Songs on Texts of Storm and Calvino (1985, rev. 2003 and 2022)

Two Songs on Texts of Storm and Calvino (1985, rev. 2003 and 2022)

Die Stadt

Le città e la memoria. 1.

Duration
9 min
Publisher
Instruments
Words
Theodor Storm and Italo Calvino
Commissioned by
Iris Ensemble
Written for
First performance
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Instruments:

Original version (1985, rev. 2003): Soprano, guitar and percussion (1)

Alternative version (2022): Soprano, flute, violin, and two guitars

First performance of the original version:

1/5 1986 in the Concert Hall Aarhus during the NUMUS Festival

Bodil Øland (soprano), Jesper Lützhøft (guitar), Gert Sørensen (percussion)


First performance of revised version (2003):

28/11 2004 at the Academy of Music, Aalborg

Mette Sandahl (soprano), Ivan Olsen (guitar), Anne Rom Hansen (percussion)


First performance of alternative version (2022):

30/7 2022 at Biblioteket Rentemestervej, Copenhagen

Josefine Weber Hansen (soprano), Anne Baumbach (flute), Giuly Johannsen (violin), Thea Baumbach and Niklas Johansen (guitars), Elisa Kirbst (video performance)

Täglich kommt die gelbe Sonne (1977)

Täglich kommt die gelbe Sonne (1977)

Duration
10 min
Publisher
Instruments
Soprano, flute, clarinet, guitar, percussion (1), piano, violin, cello
Words
Commissioned by
The Elsinore Players
Written for
First performance
4/3 1979 at Louisiana, Humlebæk Bodil Gümoes (soprano) The Elsinore Players Karl Aage Rasmussen, conductor
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Der var korte satser med vildt, dramatisk spil, korte, helt stillestående lyriske satser, og der var et stort mesterskab i original, moderne instrumentation.

Robert Naur, Politiken

Chamber Music without Voice

Aquarelles (1983)

Aquarelles (1983)

Duration
12 min
Instruments
Original version: viola and guitar Alternative version: clarinet and guitar
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
Annette Dahl and Karl Petersen
First performance
1/4 1983 at the Easter Exhibition in Lading Annette Dahl (viola), Karl Petersen (guitar)
First performance of the revised version
21/11 1993 at the Academy of Music, Aalborg Peter Lindegaard (clarinet), Karl Petersen (guitar)
Recording
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Carillon (1986)

Carillon (1986)

Duration
10 min
Publisher
Instruments
Percussion (6)
Words
Commissioned by
Kroumata-ensemblet
Written for
First performance
3/3 1986 in the Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen Kroumata-ensemblet
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Erik Højsgaard digter et helt drama omkring sine lydgivere og skaber et forløb, der spænder fra det tyste klangunivers, som karakteriserede hans første kompositioner, til det chokerende realistiske udtryk. Et flot værk, som Kroumata-ensemblet spillede overbevisende.

Jens Brincker, Berlingske Tidende

Erik Højsgaards Carillon står som nok et eksempel på komponistens fornemmelse for at stille forskellige, hovedsagelig sarte klangkarakterer, ved siden af og indover hinanden, og gøre det med betydeligt artistisk raffinement, måske mere end med dybde og appel.

Jakob Levinsen, Weekendavisen

Choral (2013)

Choral (2013)

Duration
4 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, clarinet, bassoon, piano, harp, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
4/9 2014 , Aa church, Aakirkeby Danish Chamber Players
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Dialogues (1972)

Dialogues (1972)

Duration
6 min
Publisher
Instruments
Original version: oboe and guitar Alternative versions: flute and guitar, clarinet and guitar, recorder and guitar, violin and guitar, flute and harp
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
23/4 1976 at Moesgaard Museum, Aarhus Bodil Sonne Kristensen (oboe), Karl Petersen (guitar)
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Echi di Agosto (2019)

Echi di Agosto (2019)

Duration
1 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, clarinet
Words
Commissioned by
Moderne Mandag
Written for
First performance
26/8 2019 at Metronomen, Frederiksberg, during Moderne Mandag Duo Ventus: Michaela Hansen and Louise Anine Mogensen
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Equali (1994, 1996, 2016)

Equali (1994, 1996, 2016)

Duration
18 min
Publisher
Instruments
3 guitars
Words
Commissioned by
Guitartrio 1+2 (1st and 3rd movement) and Moderne Mandag (2nd movement)
Written for
First performance
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Guitartrio 1+2
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First performance (1st movement):

19/10 1994 at Den Anden Opera, Copenhagen

Guitartrio 1+2

First performance (1st and 3rd movement):

17/8 1996 at Skelby Skole during Ny Musik i Suså

Guitartrio 1+2

First performance (complete version):

21/11 2016 at Metronomen, Frederiksberg, during Moderne Mandag, Michael Norman, Niklas Johansen, Per Dybro

Fantasy Pieces (1982-84)

Fantasy Pieces (1982-84)

Duration
14 min
Instruments
Clarinet, cello, and piano
Words
Commissioned by
The Danish Trio
Written for
First performance
28/4 1985 in the Concert Hall Aarhus during the NUMUS Festival The Danish Trio
First performance of the revised version
Recording
The Danish Trio
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De tre satser borer og suger på et enkelt og koncentreret stof og ender alle i en uventet åbning der blafrer hudløst ud i stilheden. Hvert stykke er som en indtrængende forberedelse til noget der aldrig kommer, og navnlig den lange slutsats gør indtryk med sin lyriske trylleverden af skiftende belysninger.

Jan Jacoby, Politiken

...Den direkte påvirkning fra Schumanns fantasistykker for samme besætning gjorde udslaget, og det fik englænderne [Capricorn] til at opfatte Erik Højsgaard som neo-romantiker. Oplevelsen var ny for mig, men tankevækkende...

Jens Brincker, Berlingske Tidende

Feuilles mortes (2023)

Feuilles mortes (2023)

Duration
9 min
Publisher
Instruments
5 guitars, percussion (2)
Words
Commissioned by
Marcin Dylla and The Guitar Department of the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice
Written for
First performance
17/11 2023 at Akademia Muzyczna im. Karola Szymanowskiego w Katowicach Marcin Dylla and ensemble
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Four small pieces (1996)

Four small pieces (1996)

Duration
9 min
Publisher
Instruments
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Listen
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Instruments:

Original version: saxophone (soprano, alto, baritone), percussion (1)

Alternative version 1 (1997): tenor saxophone, percussion (1)

Alternative version 2 (1997): clarinet, percussion (1)

Alternative version 3 (2002): alto saxophone, percussion (1)

First performance of the original version:

12/4 1997 at Carl Nielsen Academy of Music, Odense

DuoDenum

First performance of alternative version 1:

9/4 1997 at the Academy of Music, Aalborg

Jan Harbeck (tenor saxophone), Jon Meinild (percussion)

First performance of alternative version 2:

2/11 1997 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Peter Lindegaard (clarinet), Torsten Folke Pedersen (percussion)

First performance of alternative version 3:

21/4 2004, Skt. Petri Church, Copenhagen

Sarah Vibe-Petersen (alto saxophone), Nicolai Slaatto (percussion)

Og Niels Rosing-Schow og Erik Højsgaard udnyttede kombinationen af saxofon og slagtøj på overraskende, vittig og virtuos måde, der blev taget på kornet af DuoDenum.

Jens Brincker, Berlingske Tidende

Erik Højsgaard Fire små stykker for klarinet og slagtøj levede op til deres titel som ægte miniaturer, båret af en præcis og følsom formulerings fortættede skønhed med en udtryksfuld, rytmisk smidig melodiføring som det centrale virkemiddel.

Jan Jacoby, Politiken

Images from the past (2020)

Images from the past (2020)

Memories I

Interlude

Memories II

Duration
8 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, 2 guitars
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
11/12 2021 at Kammerklubben, Copenhagen Baumbach-Duo and Niklas Johansen
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Images oubliées I-III (2004)

Images oubliées I-III (2004)

Duration
22 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, oboe (english horn), clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, percussion (1), piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
27/11 2004 at the Academy of Music, Aalborg Students at the Academy of Music, Aalborg Karl Petersen, conductor
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Intermezzi (1982-83)

Intermezzi (1982-83)

Duration
13 min
Publisher
Edition·S
Instruments
Flute and harp
Words
Commissioned by
Danmarks Radio
Written for
Hideko and Peter Bondesen
First performance
16/1 1984 at the Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen Peter Bondesen (flute), Hideko Bondesen (harp)
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Intrada (1981)

Intrada (1981)

Duration
5 min
Publisher
Edition·S
Instruments
2 trumpets, horn, trombone, tuba
Words
Commissioned by
Rikskonserter, Sweden
Written for
First performance
22/10 1983 at Kulturhuset, Stockholm The Swedish National Radio Symphony Orchestra's Brass Quintet
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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First performance in Denmark:
4/5 1984 at the Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus, during the NUMUS Festival
Martin Schuster og Poul Spjuth (trumpets), Klaus Gottlieb (horn), Rolf Sandmark (trombone), Hans Andersen (tuba)

...Erik Højsgaard, som i sin Intrada for messingkvintet med vidunderlig klarhed og virtuost nænsom finesse får sagt det utrolige på ingen tid.

Jan Jacoby, Politiken

Le lunghe ombre della sera (2022)

Le lunghe ombre della sera (2022)

Duration
9
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, viola, harp
Words
Commissioned by
Ny Musik
Written for
New Gates Trio
First performance
23/7 2023 at Det gamle Rådhus in Nørresundby New Gates Trio
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Mirror (2013)

Mirror (2013)

Duration
5 min
Publisher
Instruments
Accordion duo
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
7/10 2013 at Concertgebouw, Amsterdam Mythos Accordion Duo: Bjarke Mogensen and Rasmus Schærff Kjøller
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Nocturnes (2022)

Nocturnes (2022)

Gult og gråt

Erindringen om fraflyttede gader

På vej bort

Daggry

Duration
12 min
Publisher
Instruments
2 guitars
Words
Commissioned by
Scandinavian Guitar Duo: Per Pålsson and Jesper Sivebæk
Written for
First performance
3/2 2024 at The Royal Danish Academy of Music, Copenhagen Scandinavian Guitar Duo
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Paysage (1997)

Paysage (1997)

Duration
9 min
Publisher
Instruments
Words
Commissioned by
Ny Musik i Suså
Written for
First performance
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Listen
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Instruments:

Original version (1997): flute, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello

Alternative version (2001): flute, clarinet, horn, 2 guitars, piano, violin, viola, cello

First performance of the original version:

23/8 1997 at Skelby Skole during Ny Musik i Suså

Danish Chamber Players

Giordano Bellincampi, dirigent

First performance of alternative version:

24/10 2001 in Sala de Conciertos, Camagüey, Cuba
Bandidos del Tiempo
Louis Aguirre, conductor

First performance in Denmark of alternative version:

20/10 2002 at Nordjyllands Kunstmuseum, Aalborg

Bandidos del Tiempo

Paysage blême (1991)

Paysage blême (1991)

Duration
11 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, oboe, clarinet, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Capricorn
Written for
First performance
24/4 1992 in The Purcell Room, South Bank Centre, London Capricorn
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Capricorn
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First performance in Denmark:

30/10 1992 at Copenhagen City Hall during Composer's Biennale
Capricorn

...hvor en lyrisk romantisk nyhed, Erik Højsgaards drømmende og melodiske instrumentalpoesi i Paysage blême gjorde sig fint gældende side om side med Poul Ruders’ Psalmodies...

Bo Rasmussen, Information

Erik Højsgaard skaber et rum med lange melodiske linier, der krydser hinanden og stabiliserer en rumlig tilstand, hvor man finder sig godt til rette.

Jens Brincker, Berlingske Tidende

Endvidere gav det engelske Capricorn en særdeles engageret og højt professionel optræden i Pumpehuset ... med et udsøgt program, herunder en romantisk forfinet nyhed, Erik Højsgaards sommerligt drømmende, melodisk sårbare ”Paysage blême”.

Jan Jacoby, Politiken

Paysage triste (1994)

Paysage triste (1994)

Duration
10 min
Publisher
Instruments
Original version: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, piano – Alternative version (2001): flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
The Jutland Ensemble
Written for
First performance
10/4 1994 in Morsø Theatre, Nykøbing Mors The Jutland Ensemble
First performance of the revised version
26/8 2001 at Skelby Skole during Ny Musik i Suså The Jutland Ensemble
Recording
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...uropførte Det Jyske Ensemble en revision af Erik Højsgaards syv år gamle Paysage triste - det midterste i en serie 'landskabsbilleder', der også omfatter Paysage blême fra 1991 og Paysage fra 1997. En perle i komponistens ret lille, men smagfulde produktion.

Søren H. Schauser, Dansk Musik Tidsskrift

Picture at an exhibition (2008)

Picture at an exhibition (2008)

Duration
7 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
3/5 2009 at Fuglsang, Lolland Danish Chamber Players
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Listen
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Sun Prisms (1974)

Sun Prisms (1974)

Duration
13 min
Publisher
Edition·S
Instruments
String quartet
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
1/3 1975 in the Temple square Church, Helsinki during Young Nordic Music Festival Helle Norup og Birthe Kjærgaard (violin), Mette Sørensen (viola), Søren Kjærgaard (cello)
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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First performance in Denmark:

16/3 1975 at Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen

Kontra Quartet

...Mere forbløffende var ”Solprismer” af den skønsmæssigt meget unge Erik Højsgaard, som må være debutant eller meget nær. At lægge ud med et værk af den kaliber er ikke enhver givet.

Jan Jacoby, Information

The Sunflower (1978)

The Sunflower (1978)

Duration
5 min
Publisher
Edition·S
Instruments
String quartet
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
4/3 1979 at Louisiana, Humlebæk Kontra Quartet
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Kontra Quartet
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Erik Højsgaards ”The Sunflower” er ... venlig, smuk, uskyldig, atmosfærerig musik.

John Christiansen, Jyllands Posten

Two mobiles (1989-90)

Two mobiles (1989-90)

Duration
12 min
Publisher
Instruments
Percussion (2)
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
4/5 1991 at Helsingør Theater, Aarhus, during the NUMUS Festival Frans Hansen and Helen Poulsen (percussion)
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Vier Stücke (2017)

Vier Stücke (2017)

Nebel

Laub

Licht

Nacht

Duration
9 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, guitar
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
Baumbach-Duo
First performance
13/10 2018 in Meiningen, Germany Baumbach-Duo
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Solo Instrument, Solo Voice

C'est la mer mêlée au soleil (1981, rev. 1982)

C'est la mer mêlée au soleil (1981, rev. 1982)

Duration
12 min
Instruments
Guitar
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
Karl Petersen
First performance
8/2 1982 at Støvring Højskole Karl Petersen
First performance of the revised version
29/4 1983 at the Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus Karl Petersen
Recording
Karl Petersen Jesper Lützhøft Azusa Shimizu Per Dybro Sørensen Niklas Johansen
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...Men højdepunktet var nu genhøret med Erik Højsgaards sologuitar-værk ”C’est la mer mêlée au soleil”, som Karl Petersen har spillet ved NUMUS- og ISCM-festivaller og også pladeindspillet. Det er et mesterværk.

Peder Kaj Pedersen, Ålborg Stiftstidende

...det eneste stykke, der tangerede nyhed og tonalitet i en intelligent kombination var Erik Højsgaards guitarsolo ”C’est la mer mêlée au soleil”, en elegant efter-fabuleren over en af egne tidligere sange til tekst af Arthur Rimbaud. Hvis man kan lide lyrisk musik, som ikke bliver til hængeri, fordi den eruptive kraft altid er til stede under overfladen, skal man gå til Højsgaard. Hans musik bevæger sig altid. På trods af en tilsyneladende vegeterende stilstand. Værket indkasserede da også eftermiddagens hedeste bifald, som regnede ligeligt fordelt nedover både komponist og solisten Karl Petersen.

Poul Ruders efter ISCM-festival 1983 i Information

På denne koncert stod Erik Højsgaards ”C’est la mer mêlée au soleil” meget stærkt. Det er et inderligt smukt og musikalsk fantasifuldt værk for sologuitar, og det fik en indforstået fin udførelse af Karl Petersen.

John Christiansen, Jyllands Posten

...den dybt begavede Erik Højsgaards nyklassiker for guitar fra 1981, ”C’est la mer mêlée au soleil”...

Thomas Michelsen, Politiken

Och riktigt märkvärdigt är Erik Höjsgaards gitarrstycke ”C’est la mer mêlée au soleil” (efter Rimbaud), lysende gestaltet av Karl Petersen. Ur tidigare produktion har Per Nörgaard-eleven Höjsgaard hämtat grundmaterialet, som metamorfoserats til en dramatik og skönhet som utnyttjar gitarrens möjligheter oerhört väl och lämnar lyssnaren på helspänn i ett hänförande och koncentrerat spel med tystnaden.

Søren Engblom, Expressen

...et vidunderligt, tidløst stykke musik...
Helsingør Dagblad

Cendrée (1976, rev. 1979)

Cendrée (1976, rev. 1979)

Duration
12 min
Publisher
Instruments
Percussion (1)
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
11/4 1976 in Kunstbygningen, Aarhus Svend Aage Bøgedal
First performance of the revised version
4/3 1979 at Louisiana, Humlebæk Einar Nielsen
Recording
Frans Hansen
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Erik Højsgaards Cendrée var som en poetisk have, en afdæmpet vandring gennem stilfærdige klangkarakterer.

Thomas Viggo Pedersen, Kristeligt Dagblad

En vacker sprödhet ett raffinerat klangsinne.

Svenska Dagbladet

Ett sällsamt bra verk inom den avantgardistiske genren.

Östersundposten

Chamber Music (2017-18)

Chamber Music (2017-18)

The twilight turns from amethyst

Lied ohne Worte

Rain has fallen all the day

Fragment

All day I hear the noise of waters

Duration
16 min
Publisher
Instruments
Piano
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
Irina Emeliantseva
First performance
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Listen
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Feuillet d'album (2012)

Feuillet d'album (2012)

Duration
1 min
Publisher
Instruments
Piano
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
7/5 2012 at Mantziusgården, Birkerød Hans Andersen
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Listen
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Fünf Stücke (2019)

Fünf Stücke (2019)

1. Nostalgie

2. Nostalgie

3. Nostalgie

4. Nostalgie

5. Nostalgie

Duration
10 min
Publisher
Instruments
Viola
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
Barbara Lüneburg
First performance
14/7 2019 at Det Gamle Rådhus in Nørresundby Barbara Lüneburg
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Listen
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Image of Light, Adieu - (2016)

Image of Light, Adieu - (2016)

Duration
9 min
Publisher
Instruments
Piano
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
Irina Emeliantseva
First performance
24/7 2016 at The Art Museum in Bryansk, Russia Irina Emeliantseva
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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September (2023)

September (2023)

Duration
9 min
Publisher
Instruments
Clarinet
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
John Kruse
First performance
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Listen
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Sonata for cello solo (1980)

Sonata for cello solo (1980)

Duration
16 min
Publisher
Instruments
Cello
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
Niels Ullner
First performance
25/3 1981 at Carl Nielsen Academy of Music, Odense Niels Ullner
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Niels Ullner
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Three small pieces (2000)

Three small pieces (2000)

Chorale

Trio

Epitaph

Duration
7 min
Instruments
Organ
Words
Commissioned by
År 2000 Fonden
Written for
First performance
3/12 2000 in Jelling Church a.o.
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Jens E. Christensen
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De tre stykker spejler sig i hinanden, nuancerer en grundlæggende musikalsk idé og skaber på den måde et forløb. Ikke mod en forløsning, men som en poetisk tanke.

Steen Chr. Steensen, Berlingske Tidende

Twilight (2012)

Twilight (2012)

Duration
7 min
Publisher
Instruments
Organ
Words
Commissioned by
OpenDays festival
Written for
First performance
16/8 2012 in Vor Frue Kirke, Ålborg Tina Christiansen
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Listen
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Two pieces (2015)

Two pieces (2015)

Duration
7 min
Publisher
Instruments
Piano
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
7/2 2016 at Pfleghofsaal, Tübingen Irina Emeliantseva
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Listen
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Two songs for soprano solo (1977-79)

Two songs for soprano solo (1977-79)

Vise

Joyous

Duration
7 min.
Publisher
Instruments
Words
Poul Borum (Song)
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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First performance (Song):

8/10 1978 i Nikolaj Church, Copenhagen

Hanne Holten

First performance (Joyous):

7/10 1979 at the Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus

Hanne Holten

To pennetegninger af drømmen og glæden forener en næsten instrumental udnyttelse af stemmen med et umiddelbart poetisk udtryk, som gjorde stærkt indtryk.

Jens Brincker, Berlingske Tidende

Épreuve (1993, rev. 1996)

Épreuve (1993, rev. 1996)

Duration
10 min
Publisher
Edition·S
Instruments
Accordeon
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
14/4 1993 at Malerimuseet, Faaborg Jørgen Franyo
First performance of the revised version
1996 in Norway Halvor Lillesund
Recording
Adam Ørvad
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First performance in Denmark of the revised version:

5/6 1996 at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, Copenhagen

Halvor Lillesund

Listen to the work

Choral Works

Four Songs on Poems by Søren Ulrik Thomsen (2012-17)

Four Songs on Poems by Søren Ulrik Thomsen (2012-17)

Biografi (Barndommen er et hus)

Glemsel, drøm og fald (Taler i net af glemte berøringer)

I timen der tikker sig op imod midnat

En sky går for solen

Duration
Publisher
Instruments
Words
Søren Ulrik Thomsen
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Version for mixed choir (2015):

Duration: 6 min.

Version for female chorus (2017):

Duration: 6 min.

Version for mixed choir and live electronics (2015):

Duration: 12 min.

Version for male chorus (2012):

Duration: 6 min.

Version for male chorus and ensemble (2013):

Duration: 9 min.

Instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, 2 violins, viola, cello

First performance of version for mixed choir and live electronics:

21/11 2015 in Alsion, Sønderborg

Tritonus Choir

Lise Christensen Bjerno, conductor

First performance of version for mixed choir:

25/9 2016 in Silkeborg

Tritonus Choir

Saa lykkelige, saa glade (2009)

Saa lykkelige, saa glade (2009)

Duration
10 min
Publisher
Instruments
4 part chorus, for example SATB, SSAA, TTTT or ATBB 4 mechanical metronomes
Words
Gustaf Munch-Petersen
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
19/11 2009 at Hjørring Art Museum Students at The Royal Academy of Music, Aalborg Karl Petersen
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Two songs for mixed choir (1985-86)

Two songs for mixed choir (1985-86)

A Sloop of Amber slips away

Not knowing when the Dawn will come

Duration
6 min
Publisher
Instruments
Words
Emily Dickinson
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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First performance (2nd movement):

29/6 1985 at Gerlesborg, Sweden

Ars Nova and Rilke Ensemblen

Bo Holten, conductor

First performance (complete):

29/11 1988 at Glyptoteket, Copenhagen

Ars Nova

Bo Holten, conductor

...Erik Højsgaards to Dickinson-sange er også stærke i det rent harmoniske udtryk, her noget skarpere og mere svidende med et stærkt indre lys og en ejendommeligt flammet satsstruktur, et overbevisende stramt udtryk for et fint og særpræget lyrisk musikertemperament.

Jan Jacoby, Politiken

Instruments and Computer

Corellage (1992)

Corellage (1992)

Duration
12 min
Publisher
Instruments
Guitar and computer
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
21/10 1992 at Esbjerg Amtsgymnasium Karl Petersen (guitar and live electronics)
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Fan (1993)

Fan (1993)

Duration
10-40 min
Publisher
Instruments
Percussion (12), 2 synthesizers, computer
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
20/1 1994 in Silkeborg Karl Petersen a.o.
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Fan II (1998)

Fan II (1998)

Duration
10-40 min.
Publisher
Instruments
2 midi keyboards, computer
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
10/2 1999 at the Academy of Music, Aalborg Karl Petersen a.o.
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Havet og sand og lavinen og stilhed. Og gentagelsen (1993)

Havet og sand og lavinen og stilhed. Og gentagelsen (1993)

Duration
10 min
Publisher
Instruments
Percussion (12), electric guitar, synthesizer, voices, recitation, computer
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
26/8 1993 in Silkeborg Karl Petersen a.o.
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Nocturne (1994)

Nocturne (1994)

Duration
15 min
Publisher
Edition·S
Instruments
1-1-1-1, 2-1-1-0, percussion (1), midi keyboard, harp, 1-1-1-1-1, computer
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
16/9 1994 in the Concert Hall Aarhus during the ICMC Festival Athelas Sinfonietta Flemming Vindekilde, conductor
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Værket er meget atmosfærerigt og holdt i mørke, melankolske farver, hvor motivstoffet veksler mellem kammerensemblets forskellige instrumenter og skaber en klanglig variation.

Steen Søgaard, Jyllands Posten

Violin Sonata (1997)

Violin Sonata (1997)

Duration
12 min
Publisher
Instruments
Violin and computer
Words
Commissioned by
Bodil Rørbech
Written for
First performance
13/4 1997 in the Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen Bodil Rørbech (violin)
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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I Erik Højsgaards charmerende Sonate har violinens lysfyldt raslende figurværk en sommerfugleagtig flygtighed der nærmer sig en elektronisk klangæstetik, mens elektronikken paradoksalt nok oftest lyder som et ædrueligt asketisk klaver med en renfærdig klassicisme i harmonikkens klarttonende farver.

Jan Jacoby, Politiken

Arrangements and Orchestrations

Alfvén: Shepherd Girl's Dance (2010)

Alfvén: Shepherd Girl's Dance (2010)

Duration
4 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
30/1 2011 at Fuglsang, Lolland Danish Chamber Players
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Bach J.S. : Canon per augmentationem in contrario motu (1984)

Bach J.S. : Canon per augmentationem in contrario motu (1984)

Duration
7 min
Publisher
Instruments
1-1-1-1, 1-1-0-0, harp, 2 vl., 2 vle., 2 vlc., cb.
Words
Commissioned by
Danmarks Radio
Written for
First performance
21/3 1985 broadcast Danish National Symphony Orchestra Aksel Wellejus
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Barber: Canzone [2nd movement of Concerto for piano and orchestra] (2012)

Barber: Canzone [2nd movement of Concerto for piano and orchestra] (2012)

Duration
8 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
25/8 2012 at Fuglsang, Lolland Danish Chamber Players
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Borodin: On the Steppes of Central Asia (2009)

Borodin: On the Steppes of Central Asia (2009)

Duration
6 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
23/4 2009 at Fuglsang, Lolland Danish Chamber Players
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Debussy: Première rhapsodie (2020)

Debussy: Première rhapsodie (2020)

Duration
9 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Listen
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Horneman: Aladdin overture (2009)

Horneman: Aladdin overture (2009)

Duration
10 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
13/1 2010 at Holsted Church Danish Chamber Players
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Det lød fantastisk i Erik Højsgaards fortryllende farvelækre udgave af Hornemans 'Aladdin'- ouverture, og at Højsgaard kan instrumentere, fremgik også af Nielsens ellers problematiske forsøg på at lege impressionist i 'Pan og Syrinx', som i Højsgaards version er blevet mærkelig på en ny, men raffineret måde.

Thomas Michelsen, Politiken

Ives: In Flanders Fields (1991)

Ives: In Flanders Fields (1991)

Duration
3 min
Publisher
Instruments
Baritone, clarinet, cello, piano
Words
Commissioned by
LIN ensemble
Written for
First performance
25/2 1991 in the Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen Lars Thodberg (baritone) LIN ensemble
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Nielsen: Music to Five Poems by J.P. Jacobsen, op. 4 (2018)

Nielsen: Music to Five Poems by J.P. Jacobsen, op. 4 (2018)

Solnedgang

I Seraillets Have

Til Asali

Irmelin Rose

Har Dagen sanket al sin Sorg

Duration
12 min
Publisher
Instruments
soprano, 2-2-3-2, 4-1-3-0, percussion (1), celesta, harp, strings
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
8/12 2018 in Cairo Opera House Julia MeeRa Albertsen Cairo Symphony Orchestra Peter Ettrup, conductor
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Nielsen: Nine movements from the incidendal music to "Aladdin" (2008)

Nielsen: Nine movements from the incidendal music to "Aladdin" (2008)

Ak hvilken dejlig Have!

Orientalsk Festmarch

Snart er det Tid

Kineserdans

Gulnares Sang

Den skønne Sol er dalet

Aladdins Drøm

Morgentaagernes Dans

Fatimes Sang

Duration
21 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
6/4 2008 at Fuglsang, Lolland Danish Chamber Players
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Nielsen: Pan and Syrinx (2015)

Nielsen: Pan and Syrinx (2015)

Duration
9 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
7/6 2015 at Marielyst Danish Chamber Players
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Det lød fantastisk i Erik Højsgaards fortryllende farvelækre udgave af Hornemans 'Aladdin'- ouverture, og at Højsgaard kan instrumentere, fremgik også af Nielsens ellers problematiske forsøg på at lege impressionist i 'Pan og Syrinx', som i Højsgaards version er blevet mærkelig på en ny, men raffineret måde.

Thomas Michelsen, Politiken

Nielsen: Prelude to Act 2 from Maskarade (2015)

Nielsen: Prelude to Act 2 from Maskarade (2015)

Duration
5 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
7/6 2015 at Marielyst Danish Chamber Players
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Nielsen: Se dig ud en Sommerdag (2022)

Nielsen: Se dig ud en Sommerdag (2022)

Duration
2 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, clarinet, bassoon
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
18/9 2022 at Fuglsang, Lolland
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Nielsen: Solen er saa rød, mor (1997)

Nielsen: Solen er saa rød, mor (1997)

Duration
4 min.
Publisher
Instruments
Original version: Children's choir and mixed choir Alternative version 1 (2013): Flute, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello Alternative version 2 (2015): Children's choir and strings
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Children's Choir of the Royal Danish Academy of Music Musica Ficta Bo Holten, conductor
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First performance og the original version:

30/9 1997 in Kastelskirken, Copenhagen

Children's Choir of the Royal Danish Academy of Music, Musica Ficta

Bo Holten, conductor

First performance of alternative version 1:

4/9 2014 , Aa church, Aakirkeby

Danish Chamber Players

First performance of alternative version 2:

21/3 2015 , Messias church, Copenhagen

Gentofte Music School

Nielsen: Sommersang op. 10 No. 3 (2022)

Nielsen: Sommersang op. 10 No. 3 (2022)

Duration
3 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, harp, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
18/9 2022 at Fuglsang, Lolland
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Ravel: Tzigane (2013)

Ravel: Tzigane (2013)

Duration
10 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
8/5 2013, Præstø Danish Chamber Players
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Respighi: Cinque Liriche (2007)

Respighi: Cinque Liriche (2007)

Tempi assai lontani

Canto funebre

Par les soirs

Par l'étreinte...

La Fine

Duration
20 min
Publisher
Instruments
Soprano, flute, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Anne Margrethe Dahl, Frans Rasmussen, and Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
19/8 2007 at Fuglsang, Lolland Anne Margrethe Dahl (soprano) Danish Chamber Players Frans Rasmussen, conductor
First performance of the revised version
Recording
Anne Margrethe Dahl (soprano), Danish Chamber Players, Frans Rasmussen, conductor
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Rossini: La Scala di seta: Sinfonia (2013)

Rossini: La Scala di seta: Sinfonia (2013)

Duration
10 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
13/1 2014 i Tåstrup Kulturcenter Danish Chamber Players
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Roussel: Joueurs de flûte (2022)

Roussel: Joueurs de flûte (2022)

Duration
11 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
1/2 2023 at Musikhuset, Copenhagen
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Saint-Saëns: Danse macabre (2020)

Saint-Saëns: Danse macabre (2020)

Duration
8 min
Publisher
Instruments
Flute, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Schubert: Waldes Nacht (1991)

Schubert: Waldes Nacht (1991)

Duration
8 min
Publisher
Instruments
Baritone, clarinet, cello, piano
Words
Commissioned by
LIN ensemble
Written for
First performance
25/2 1991 in the Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen Lars Thodberg (baritone) LIN ensemble
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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...Højsgaards version af Im Walde der fantasifuldt opsuger de to melodiinstrumenter i en totalklang rig på farve og atmosfære, ikke mindst hvor de engageres i hurtigt figurværk.

Jan Jacoby, Politiken

Schultz: Yndigt dufter Danmark (2022)

Schultz: Yndigt dufter Danmark (2022)

Duration
3 min
Publisher
Instruments
Alto flute, clarinet, piano, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
18/9 2022 at Fuglsang, Lolland
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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Skrjabin: Vers la flamme (1977)

Skrjabin: Vers la flamme (1977)

Duration
7 min
Publisher
Instruments
4-4-5-4, 8-5-4-1, timpani, percussion, celesta, 2 harps, strings
Words
Commissioned by
Written for
First performance
14/8 2003 in the Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen Danish National Symphony Orchestra Gerd Albrecht
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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...og frem for nogen Erik Højsgaard, der har arrangeret ”Mod flammen”. Så blændende, at det næsten var aftenen værd i sig selv.

Søren H. Schauser, Berlingske Tidende

...de syv indledende minutter til koncerten, bestående af den danske komponist Erik Højsgaards fabelagtigt bløde og vellykkede instrumentation af Skrjabins sene klaverstykke ”Vers la flamme”, var en uropførelse, der kun kalder på ros.

Thomas Michelsen, Politiken

"Vers la Flamme" (op. 72) ist ein bahnbrechend-expressives Klavierstück. Der Däne Erik Hojsgaard hat es schon 1977 üppigst instrumentiert, jetzt ist "Vers La Flamme" in dieser Form erstmals an den Ohren der Zuhörer vorübergerauscht. So ein üppiges Ding wäre sicherlich ganz im Sinn des Komponisten.

Reinhard Kriechbaum, OÖNachrichten

Strauss, Johann: Frühlingsstimmen op. 410 (2008)

Strauss, Johann: Frühlingsstimmen op. 410 (2008)

Duration
8 min
Publisher
Instruments
Soprano, flute, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, viola, cello
Words
Commissioned by
Danish Chamber Players
Written for
First performance
3/12 2008, Skanderborg Louise Fribo Danish Chamber Players
First performance of the revised version
Recording
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