Asger Hamerik (redirected from Asger Hammerich)

Hamerik, Asger 

(real surname, Hammerich). Born Apr. 8, 1843, in Frederiksberg, near Copenhagen; died there July 13, 1923. Danish composer; of German nationality.

Hamerik studied composition with N. W. Gade and J. P. E. Hartmann in Copenhagen and pursued further study in piano with H. von Bülow in Berlin. In Paris from 1863 to 1865 he studied orchestration under H. Berlioz, with whom he maintained a close working relationship. Hamerik was a composer and conductor in France, Italy, and the USA, where from 1871 to 1898 he lived in Baltimore.

Hamerik’s work drew on the traditions of Scandinavian romanticism and reflects the influence of Berlioz and R. Wagner. His operas include Tovelille (1865, Paris) and La vendetta (1870, Milan). He also composed seven symphonies (1881–96), five orchestral works under the title Northern Suites, chamber music, and songs. His choral works include Hymn to Peace (1867), for chorus and orchestra, and Requiem (1887).

Hamerik’s son. Ebbe Hamerik (1898–1951) was also a conductor and composer: his works include the opera Stefan and orchestral and vocal compositions.

REFERENCE

Hove, R. “Asger Hamerik og dansk symphonier.” Nordisk musikkultur, 1957, no. 6, pp. 105–11.