Queen Margrethe II turns 80: Listen to recordings with the Queen's musical father
On Thursday Queen Margrethe II turns 80. In June, a new box set is released with historical recordings with the Queen's father, King Frederik IX, conducting the Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Danish Orchestra.
The Danish Monarchy has been interested in art and music for several generations. Queen Margrethe has devoted herself to the art of drawing and painting through her whole life, whereas her father, King Frederik IX, had a big interest in classical music, especially orchestral direction. Dacapo has released two recordings with the King as conductor, which will be re-released in a new box set in June this year.
A passion for classical music
At home music played a central role for Frederik IX, and at a young age the prince showed a big interest in classical music. Frederik IX received piano lessons as a child, but he soon fell in love with orchestral direction. Although the King was self-taught and mainly kept his interest in conducting within the confines of private live, he favoured technically difficult challenges in the great symphonic repertoire.
New box set with King Frederik IX as conductor
Dacapo has released two recordings with King Frederik IX conducting the Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Danish Orchestra. In June, the recordings will be released in a new box set. Here one can look forward to hearing the recordings with improved sound quality and supplemented by previously unpublished recordings. Until then, the two old recordings are available as digital download and on various streaming services.
King Frederik IX is conducting the Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra on the first recording, containing works by Beethoven, Wagner and Gade. Stream the album here.
On the second recording with King Frederik IX as conductor, you can listen to music by Kuhlau, Lumbye and Schubert, played by the Royal Danish Orchestra, Stream the album here.