Norwegian composers

[vandermolen]

Valen is an interesting fellow, cf. my current avatar, however I haven't found the symphonies that easy nuts to crack ... I visited his museum villa in Valevåg some years ago, and walked to the forested, remote coastal cemetery, that in parts inspired a symphonic poem of his, Le Cimetiere Marin. Gradually, more recordings of his music are appearing now (except from any of his 10s of 1000s of piano etudes, I think almost all, or simply all, works have been recorded), and this will help understanding more possibilities in it; for example, some pianists add more romanticism to the piano music, others prefer a cooler, objective attitude. The two concertos, the piano music, the chamber music, and Sonetto di Michelangelo are, maybe, the easiest introduction ...

Interesting. I see that I have some of his chamber music on this fine CD, which I bought for the excellent Klauss Egge work:

[André]

Valen is an interesting fellow, cf. my current avatar, however I haven't found the symphonies that easy nuts to crack ... I visited his museum villa in Valevåg some years ago, and walked to the forested, remote coastal cemetery, that in parts inspired a symphonic poem of his, Le Cimetiere Marin. Gradually, more recordings of his music are appearing now (except from any of his 10s of 1000s of piano etudes, I think almost all, or simply all, works have been recorded), and this will help understanding more possibilities in it; for example, some pianists add more romanticism to the piano music, others prefer a cooler, objective attitude. The two concertos, the piano music, the chamber music, and Sonetto di Michelangelo are, maybe, the easiest introduction ...

My impression as well. It's been a few years, so maybe it's time to reassess...

[kyjo]

Today I relistened to the Piano Concerto (being the first time a long while ago) from the LAWO disc. Now I understand your advocacy for that work, Kyle. This is major stuff, a thoroughly inspired work for both piano and orchestra, imbued with grandeur, nobility, great melodies and that unmistakable "Nordic" feel to it. Actually it reminded me of composers such as Stenhammar, Svendsen, Tchaikovsky and even Sibelius. I really loved it and it could be one of my favorite PCs from now on.

Great to read, Cesar. It's truly one of my favorite PCs ever and would be a real hit in the concert hall if only given the chance.

[André]

Cross-posted from WAYL2 :

Works featuring the bassoon in a concertante role.

There are two works by the english composer Stephen Frost (b. 1959). The first, titled Parapraxis (the savant term for a freudian slip) is for choir with solo soprano and bassoon. Lines intertwine and exchange soloistic and supporting parts. Organ and choir music is quite common, but it's the first time I come across that particular combination. It's very beautiful and works really well.there are parts that remind me of Barber's Agnus Dei or Allegri's Miserere.

Then Frost offers a reworking of his bassoon concerto from 1996 (recorded in its original version on Chandos). The composer rewrote it for chamber orchestra and in the process altered phrases in various places. As he puts it in the notes, he considers both versions as «non-identical twins ». It is a substantial piece, with a long (15 min) central slow movement that stands out with its mournful, desolate atmosphere. The composer had grown depressed over the harrowing events of 1996 in Dunblane. Frost writes that the music is not inspired by, or 'about' the Dunblane massacre, but, he says, « it changed me, and some of this piece changed, too ». This is my first encounter with works from this composer. Impressive.

The reason I bought this disc is its inclusion of a work by Kjell Mørk Karlsen, his 3-movement Serenata per fagotto e archi. It is absolutely spellbinding. Mørk Karlsen is a past master at creating a totally unique idiom for whatever type of musical instrumentarium he is working with: solo organ, choir, string quartet, symphony orchestra - nothing sounds the same and yet his strong personality shines through. This is major stuff in disguise.

Strong recommendation.

[Symphonic Addict]

Stellar performance of arguably the most compelling, attractive and terrific symphony to come from Norwegian lands. The feature that stands out instantly is how forbidding and granitic it sounds like, the work is full of turbulence and menacing passages that make it quite exciting. A wild ride!

[kyjo]

Stellar performance of arguably the most compelling, attractive and terrific symphony to come from Norwegian lands. The feature that stands out instantly is how forbidding and granitic it sounds like, the work is full of turbulence and menacing passages that make it quite exciting. A wild ride!

+1 Mortensen really knew how to structure a thrilling climax! There's also some hauntingly lyrical moments like the "motto theme" stated by divided celli at a couple points during the work. A shame he was not more prolific.

BTW, what do folks here think of Saeverud's music? I read mixed reviews of his music from most sources. I recall listening to one of his symphonies (the 7th, I believe) and thinking it was pretty good without being outstanding.

[vandermolen]

+1 Mortensen really knew how to structure a thrilling climax! There's also some hauntingly lyrical moments like the "motto theme" stated by divided celli at a couple points during the work. A shame he was not more prolific.

BTW, what do folks here think of Saeverud's music? I read mixed reviews of his music from most sources. I recall listening to one of his symphonies (the 7th, I believe) and thinking it was pretty good without being outstanding.

+2 and agree about Saeverud Kyle.

Klaus Egge remains my favourite Norwegian symphonist - especially the epic No.1.

[kyjo]

Klaus Egge remains my favourite Norwegian symphonist - especially the epic No.1.

I've been meaning to check out Klaus Egge's (great name btw) music! He's one of the few composers I know you greatly admire whose music I haven't investigated yet.

[Symphonic Addict]

+1 Mortensen really knew how to structure a thrilling climax! There's also some hauntingly lyrical moments like the "motto theme" stated by divided celli at a couple points during the work. A shame he was not more prolific.

BTW, what do folks here think of Saeverud's music? I read mixed reviews of his music from most sources. I recall listening to one of his symphonies (the 7th, I believe) and thinking it was pretty good without being outstanding.

Yes, there are lots of imposing climaxes throughout, and the quiet passages appear here and there.

As for Saeverud symphonies, the ones I consider worth listening are Nos. 3, 6, 7 and 9, maybe No. 8 too. There are some grotesque ideas in several of them he puts very well, and those give the symphonies a little of a distinctiveness, but overall his symphonies are not indispensable.

[vandermolen]

I've been meaning to check out Klaus Egge's (great name btw) music! He's one of the few composers I know you greatly admire whose music I haven't investigated yet.

Egge's first two symphonies the PC No.2 and the String Quartet are especially worth investigating Kyle. There is some fine piano music and a Cello concerto. There is a CD of the First Symphony (below), which is fine (Karsten Andersen) but Gruner Hegge's (another great name!) performance on You Tube is even better.

Here's the You Tube link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WhYSHsWmoA

[Symphonic Addict]

This is an absolute charmer of a find! Catharinus Elling (1858-1942) was a Norwegian composer and protégé of Grieg. He studied under Herzogenberg in Berlin.

The disc comprises two tuneful and endearing String Quartets in D major and A minor, though the latter seems like unfinished as it ends somewhat abruptly. However, the another work on the disc truly left me delighted and impressed: the Piano Quartet in G minor. This simply is a Scandinavian major work in the form whose passionate opening grabs you with ease and the ongoing material holds you till it ends. The music sounds like a cross between Svendsen and Dvorak, full of great ideas, melodies and energy. Quite fabulous to say the least. I'm thinking of some people here who could enjoy that work and the whole CD very much as well.

[vandermolen]

This is an absolute charmer of a find! Catharinus Elling (1858-1942) was a Norwegian composer and protégé of Grieg. He studied under Herzogenberg in Berlin.

The disc comprises two tuneful and endearing String Quartets in D major and A minor, though the latter seems like unfinished as it ends somewhat abruptly. However, the another work on the disc truly left me delighted and impressed: the Piano Quartet in G minor. This simply is a Scandinavian major work in the form whose passionate opening grabs you with ease and the ongoing material holds you till it ends. The music sounds like a cross between Svendsen and Dvorak, full of great ideas, melodies and energy. Quite fabulous to say the least. I'm thinking of some people here who could enjoy that work and the whole CD very much as well.

Simax produce some interesting releases. Thanks for the alert Cesar.

[lordlance]

Cross-posted from the Scandinavian Composers thread:

Stumbled upon this disc as I am subscribed to new releases by Gardner and I have to say the Bjerkestrand's First VC is intriguing. I may not revisit it but it doesn't really sound like classical music - not as "intellectual" - if that makes sense? It's scored for two synthesizers (one of which feature the composer himself). I think I could describe it as sounding sort of like film soundtrack music? Maybe atmospheric is the word.

I recommend it just to try something that sounds different:

[lunar22]

Tveitt is the only Norwegian composer I've familiar with who has made much impact. I'm particularly fond of his fascinating 5th piano concerto which would make my top 10 list and ought to be a repertoire staple.

[kyjo]

This is an absolute charmer of a find! Catharinus Elling (1858-1942) was a Norwegian composer and protégé of Grieg. He studied under Herzogenberg in Berlin.

The disc comprises two tuneful and endearing String Quartets in D major and A minor, though the latter seems like unfinished as it ends somewhat abruptly. However, the another work on the disc truly left me delighted and impressed: the Piano Quartet in G minor. This simply is a Scandinavian major work in the form whose passionate opening grabs you with ease and the ongoing material holds you till it ends. The music sounds like a cross between Svendsen and Dvorak, full of great ideas, melodies and energy. Quite fabulous to say the least. I'm thinking of some people here who could enjoy that work and the whole CD very much as well.

Thanks for the recommendation, Cesar! Sounds right up my alley!

[calyptorhynchus]

I found this on Youtube

It's a piece by Robert Rønnes, a Norwegian bassoonist, which piece he describes as being written 'in the English Romantic style' (to me it sounds like Finzi). It's a little Suite with four movements depicting the four seasons, starting in autumn.

He has several other pieces on Youtube (all or most featuring the bassoon, or more than one bassoon). Most seem to be in a more modern style. He doesn't seem to have any discs in the catalogue.

Worth a listen I think.

[calyptorhynchus]

I've been listening to some Norwegian works, as recommended by posters here. I like the Mortensen symphony and I like Egge's first, but with the latter what does Langnadstonar mean? I don't think it's a place name, and when I put it into an online translator I get 'long needle tones', which might describe some symphonies, but not this one.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

I've been listening to some Norwegian works, as recommended by posters here. I like the Mortensen symphony and I like Egge's first, but with the latter what does Langnadstonar mean? I don't think it's a place name, and when I put it into an online translator I get 'long needle tones', which might describe some symphonies, but not this one.

Perhaps @Valentino might help you/us? 

PD

[Symphonic Addict]

I've been listening to some Norwegian works, as recommended by posters here. I like the Mortensen symphony and I like Egge's first, but with the latter what does Langnadstonar mean? I don't think it's a place name, and when I put it into an online translator I get 'long needle tones', which might describe some symphonies, but not this one.

What I found was this: Symphony No. 1 `Lagnadstonar' (The Sounds of Destiny, 1942), from here.

And thumbs up for the Mortensen. I am less keen on the Egge. I happen to enjoy his next symphonies more.

[Valentino]

We have two Norwegian written languages: Bokmål being very much like Danish, and Nynorsk being derived from dialects, a typical nationalistic project in late 19th century Europe.

Lagnadstonar is Nynorsk.
Lagnad means destiny or fate.
Tonar is literally tones.
So Tones of Fate or Tones of Destiny should indeed be adequate translations to English. I prefer tones to sounds since it points to music whereas sounds could be from an AK-47. Lossy translation!