The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborgCastle historyInterior and objects1: Christian IV's Winter RoomAudio channel

Audio channel

When Christian IV enlarged Rosenborg 1613-15, he let his new Winter Room be supplied with audio channels in the floor so that the royal chapel could play “hidden” music from the basement. These audio channels has remained unknown for several centuries and were only rediscovered at the restoration in 2005. The discovery confirmed several diary entries that mentions Christian IV receiving his guests with music, but the guests being unable to see the musicians or Winter Room audio channels, which were covered by furniture.

Relations

Peephole

As a king one was obliged to perform a number of duties, including recieving various guest of high and low, oftentimes in designated audience rooms.

Ceiling painting

Ceiling painting of an orchestra playing. The picture, that perhaps comes from a music pavilion in Kongens Have, was possibly painted by Reinhold Timm, c. 1620.

Spinet

Spinet made by the instrument maker C.F. Speer, who was paid regularly for tuning the royal children's instruments.

1600-1625

The first decades of the 17th century was a great period for the entrepreneurial and ambitious Christian IV. An economic depression was on its way, but its full force had not yet been felt.

1625-1650

The second half of Christian IV's reign became a time of recession. The economic crisis became more severe, and at the same time the fortunes of war turned.

Christian IV

Christian IV was the King of Denmark and Norway from 1588; crowned in 1596. Son of Frederik II and Sophie of Mecklenburg.