1779-1850
Danish poet and playwright Adam Gottlob Oehlenschäger was born on this day in Copenhagen. Credited with introducing romanticism to Danish literature, Oehlenschäger began to write poetry at the age of nine. At just the age of twelve, he was noticed by another Scandinavian poet of note Edvard Storm of Norway; who began to tutor him. As a young man, he became an apprentice and was set to become a man of trade, but wound up on the stage as an actor instead. Slowly he understood that his path in the theater lie in writing and not acting; around this time he also undertook to further his education at the University of Copenhagen, reading philosophy and history--but writing all the while in verse. This also lead to writing lyrics for music. He then spent a considerable amount of time in Germany and upon his return to his native Denmark began to lecture at the University on the ideas of romanticism and on important Germanic romantic writers--hence the introduction of the above romanticism to his home land. In 1806, he embarked on a trip through the continent, starting in Berlin; he did not return until 1810, when he also returned to the University and to lecturing. His travels would further solidify his commitment to romantic ideals of writing and philosophy. By 1815, he was writing plays and continued to do so for the rest of his life; by the end of his life, he was an internationally recognized and appreciated writer--one of the first from Denmark to become so. To date, only eight films have been made using his work as source material or inspiration; and three titles have used at least one of his songs for soundtracks. Only two films were produced in the silent era using his writing for scenarios, the first of which was the Danish film The Isle of Death [De Dødes Ø] in 1913. Produced by Filmfabrikken, it was directed by Vilhelm Glückstadt; Oehlenschäger, along with Swiss painter Arnold Böcklin, are listed as "inspiration." The other film, also Danish, was released in 1914 and was directly based on one of Oehlenschäger's poems. Guldhornene was directed by Kay Van der Aa Kühle and was just his third film. It would be nearly 30 years before another film was made using his work as film material; Langelandrejsen was based on the rare novel that he penned and was released in 1943. The very next production of his work was produced for television for the first time; Aladdin, made for Danish television in 1952, was based on his play of the same name. In 1975, that same play was included in an episode of the television mini-series Aladdin eller den forunderlinge lampe, oddly produced by Danmarks Radio. The most recent use of the his work came in 1979 with the film A Midsummer's Play, based on another play. Though Oehlenschäger is an internationally read author, his work has not been produced for film and television outside of Denmark. His music has been used twice in productions in the 2000's, including in the Danish film Druk, set for release this December. Oehlenschäger passed away on the 20th of January in 1850 at the age of 70. He was buried Frederiksburg Old Cemetery.
[Source: Erik Skytte (Find A Grave)]
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