Danish composer Johan Peter Emilius [“JPE”] Hartmann followed his parent’s wishes and studied law then worked as a civil servant for over 40 years. But his creative side couldn’t be quashed and he also pursued music. His first big impression on the musical world was with his 1832 opera with a libretto by his lifelong friend Hans Christian Andersen. Mostly self-taught in music, he became huge in Danish musical life and was considered an authority on just about anything to do with music. From 1835, the Symphony No. 1 in g-minor by JPE Hartmann is today’s Midday Masterpiece.