Edvard Helsted (1816–1900) was a Danish composer best known for his close association with the Royal Danish Ballet and for writing elegant, melodious music that perfectly complemented the refined style of August Bournonville’s choreography.

Born in Copenhagen into a family of musicians, Helsted became a violinist and later a conductor at the Royal Danish Theatre. He composed music for several ballets, often in collaboration with other composers such as Holger Simon Paulli. His most famous ballet score is for Flower Festival in Genzano (1858), a light, lyrical work that captures the warmth and charm of Bournonville’s romantic vision of Italy.

Helsted’s music is marked by graceful melodies, clear structure, and gentle lyricism, reflecting both Danish romantic sensibility and the classical elegance required for Bournonville’s style. Though not widely known outside ballet circles today, his work remains an integral part of Denmark’s golden age of ballet and continues to enchant audiences through its purity and charm.

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