Ludvig Schytte: An Overlooked Danish Composer
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Ludvig Schytte (April 28, 1848 – November 10, 1909) is a name that deserves to be brought into the light of Danish music history. Although his name may not resonate as well as those of Gade or Carl Nielsen, Schytte was an exceptionally productive and influential composer, pianist, and educator whose works still hold great value, particularly within the piano literature.
A note from Mr P. Sear on You Tube. "his name is pronounced "Skite" as I understand! " or Skødə according to https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=30896.0
Thanks to an article in The Etude we know a little more about the composer. He was born the youngest of 13 children and his father was a minister and multi-instrumentalist who played violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute and piano. His mother sang and all his siblings were musical. Although music surrounded him it was Beethoven Sonata’s and Chopin Tone-poems that interested him the most. His father, also a composer, did not have the confidence to teach Ludvig, nor did his siblings have the time; consequently, he tried to learn counterpoint himself After leaving school he worked as a student in the apothecary (a person who prepared and sold medicines and drugs.) However he loved music, and could play well - albeit by ear - so, in time, he left his trade and went to study music in Copenhagen. However, Schytte's journey to formal instruction, however, began with a major setback.
This critical juncture in Schytte's biography vividly illustrates a powerful lesson: talent's maturation defies prescriptive timelines, in other words it is never too late, and the subjective assessments of even established experts can be profoundly mistaken. Gade was a great composer, yet found him ‘without talent’ yet, a number of years later, offered him the position of Professor at the very same conservatory where he had previously been rejected as a student due to a perceived 'lack of talent'!"
He then, when his need was greatest, played his own composition, very nervously, for Edmund Neupert (1 April 1842 – 22 June 1888) a Norwegian music teacher, pianist and composer. When he was finished Neupert enquired to the name of the piece, upon stating it was his own composition he was “Truly, you have talent. The necessary technical skills we can seek out (meaning technique can be taught)”. Ludvig was overjoyed !
He proceeded to receive instruction from Neupert, then to teach and compose, and in time secured lessons with Gade and Liszt and had great success in many European countries. Schytte's personal struggle for recognition and instruction likely fueled his later dedication to pedagogy, resulting in works that have become cornerstones of piano education. While his work as an apothecary might seem unrelated, the precision, discipline, and attention to detail required in that trade may have inadvertently prepared him for the meticulous craft evident in his finely structured piano etudes and character pieces.
All it took was for one person to believe in him enough to help him make it happen.
Schytte's Musical Legacy: Piano Pieces and Etudes
Ludvig Schytte's compositions are especially notable for their melodic beauty, fine sense of form, and technical brilliance. His oeuvre is extensive, covering a broad spectrum of genres, but it is primarily his works for piano that have survived and are still used in teaching.
He is credited with a vast output of character and salon pieces, but he is perhaps most celebrated for his etudes. These etudes are highly regarded by pianists for their combined pedagogical value and musical artistry. His best-known works in this genre include the enchanting "Ten Little Fantasy Pieces" (Op. 50) and the demanding "25 Modern Etudes" (Op. 108). Far from being dry technical exercises, these etudes function as evocative miniature paintings. You can even find a Tarantella in '12 compositions' Opus 80.
Ludvig Schytte is a composer that should not be overlooked, particularly as his works—including the Op. 80 Tarantella—offer a valuable pedagogical bridge connecting students to the wider history and sonic culture of this ancient, frenetic ritual.
A delightful set of seasonal music for early intermediate players is his “Five Christmas Stories” (Op. 138). This collection, which includes The Christmas Angel, The Christmas Tree, Christmas Waltz, Christmas Frolics, and A Christmas Dream, offers an enjoyable and enchanting repertoire that can be savoured over several festive seasons.
Schytte's style is rooted in the late Romantic tradition with a clear German influence, yet retains a Nordic lyrical tone. His music is often accessible and expressive, which has secured him a place in the repertoire of many amateur and professional pianists.
A Life Dedicated to Music
In addition to piano music, Schytte also composed songs, a piano concerto (though largely lost), and various chamber music works. His life was dedicated to creating, performing, and teaching music. He died in Berlin in 1909, aged 61.
Ludvig Schytte is an excellent example of a Danish composer who achieved international recognition in his lifetime but has unfortunately become somewhat overlooked in the Danish music historical canon. Rediscovering his lyrical and refined piano music is a true pleasure for any music lover.
Key Information about Ludvig Schytte
Reference
There are not many sources online about this composer. If you know of any further books or articles please share the information via email on our contact page.
Short-Answer Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in two to three complete sentences, using only information provided in the source material.
Describe Ludvig Schytte's family background and early exposure to music.
What was Schytte's profession before he pursued music full-time, and how might it have influenced his later work?
Explain the significant setback Schytte faced when he first sought formal musical instruction in Copenhagen.
Who was Edmund Neupert, and what was his crucial role in Schytte's career development?
Detail the change in Niels W. Gade's assessment of Schytte's abilities over time.
What are the defining characteristics of Ludvig Schytte's musical style as described in the text?
Beyond being technical exercises, how are Schytte's etudes characterized and valued?
Name at least three of Schytte's specific piano compositions mentioned in the text, including their opus numbers.
What is the current status of Schytte's legacy within the Danish music historical canon?
According to the text, what powerful lesson does Schytte's personal biography illustrate about talent?
