Degree Name

BFA

Department

Music

College

Fine Arts and Communications

Defense Date

2026-04-13

Publication Date

2026-07-21

First Faculty Advisor

Dr. Neil Harmon

First Faculty Reader

Connor Larsen, M.M.

Second Faculty Reader

Dr. Mark Campbell

Honors Coordinator

Dr. Neil Thornock

Keywords

Danish, Denmark, Organ, Marcussen & Søn, Hartmann, Romantic

Abstract

This thesis examines the organ works of J.P.E Hartmann (1805-1900), an organist and composer who was at the center of the Romantic movement in Denmark. Hartmann, along with contemporaries Niels W. Gade and A.P. Berggreen, helped establish a musical style unique to Denmark during the Romantic era. This thesis analyzes this Danish musical style as it pertains to Hartmann’s compositions, defining what it means for this music to be uniquely Danish. In this regard, Hartmann’s organ works can be distinguished from other corners of the Romantic organ repertoire, especially the organ music being composed in Germany around the same time. Additionally, this thesis examines the impact of the newly emerging Danish organ building tradition on the compositions of Hartmann, and how the organs at Hartmann’s disposal influenced his compositional style.