Niels Wilhelm Gade

Niels Wilhelm Gade (22 February 1817 – 21 December 1890) was a Danish composer, conductor, violinist, organist and teacher. He is considered the most important Danish musician of his day.

Gade was born in Copenhagen, the son of a joiner and instrument maker. He began his career as a violinist with the Royal Orchestra there, and saw his concert overture Efterklange af Ossian ("Memories of Ossian") premiered with them in 1840.

When his first symphony was turned down for performance in Copenhagen, he sent it to Felix Mendelssohn. Read more on Last.fm