Adolf Jensen

There was no single composition of Jensen's that stood out. All of his works for piano demonstrate the most sensitive nature and empathy for the romantic spirit through a synthesis of early Schumann, Chopin and Liszt. Jensen maintained close and well-intended friendships with Christian Kellermann (the cellist with whom he toured Scandinavia in concert), Gade, Hartmann, Bulow, Brahms, Berlioz and others. He dedicated various works to these fellow musicians as well as others. Though he was plagued by a constant throat and lung ailment in the last fifteen years of his life, he continued to perform for a short period and compose as well. He was instrumental in forging the performance of Wagner's "Die Meistersinger" in Dresden and had served during his early years as a Kapellmeister in Posen, Bromberg, and Copenhagen. Jensen had the profound ability to translate expressive moods and human emotions into musical lyricism particularly in songs and ballads. He did not have a talent for the larger forms of music and was not able to sustain such romantic qualities in choral works and orchestras. © Keith Johnson /TiVo