Bendix, Victor Emanuel

Danish violin virtuoso, pianist, and composer; born May 17, 1851, at Copenhagen; brother of Frits Bendix. He early manifested a remarkable talent for music. From 1867 to 1869 he was a pupil at the newly founded conservatory of music at Copenhagen, where he studied the piano under August Winding and composition under Niels W. Gade, whose favorite pupil and protégé he became. In association with Axel Liebmann, he conducted from 1872 to 1876 the concerts of the choral society founded by the latter. A few years later he became instructor of the chorus at the Royal Opera, and Gade's assistant at the choral rehearsals of the Musical Society. He also at this time frequently appeared as soloist and in chamber-music recitals, and during the season of 1893 conducted the popular concerts given at the Concert Palace.

Bendix has occasionally visited Germany and other foreign countries, and his compositions reveal the influence of modern German romanticism. They are characterized by a consummate mastery of technic, and embrace orchestral and chamber music, as well as numerous songs and minor compositions for the piano. The following is a list of his principal works: "The Thirty-third Psalm," for orchestra and chorus, op. 7; symphony in C, entitled "Fyaeldstigning" (German title "Zur Höhe"), published in 1891; symphony in D, entitled "Sommerklange fra Rusland"; symphony in A (1895?); "Lystspilouverture," op. 19; pianoforte concerto, op. 17; pianoforte trio, op. 11; ten songs, op. 18; "Poésies de Victor Hugo," op. 21; "Album," ten pianoforte pieces.

Bibliography:

  * Salmonsen, Store Illustrerede Konversationsleksikon;
  * C. F. Bricka, Dansk Biografisk Lexikon.



S. J. So.