Nielsen, L.: Organ Works / Songs for Solo Voice and Organ

Featuring

Miscellaneous
Bjørn Kåre Moe
Mona Julsrud
Ludvig Nielsen

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Instruments

In 1962, the Steinmeyer organ was significantly reduced in size and moved, against the wishes of Ludvig Nielsen and Hans Steinmeyer, the original builder.

Composer Biography

Ludvig Nielsen was appointed cathedral organist in Trondheim at the age of 29, serving for 41 years from 1935 to 1976.

Compositional Technique

Ludvig Nielsen's compositional style is consistently polyphonic, often incorporating medieval texts and melodies, as well as Norwegian folk tunes.

Performer Biography

Bjørn Kåre Moe, the organist on this recording, studied organ with Ludvig Nielsen and was his permanent stand-in at the Nidarosdom for many years.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Ludvig Nielsen found inspiration for his compositions in medieval liturgy, Norwegian folk melodies, and Norwegian culture, considering Trondheim Cathedral his 'spiritual home'.

Instruments

The organ in Trondheim Cathedral, built by G.F. Steinmeyer & Co. for the 1930 King Olav anniversary, was originally one of the largest in the world with 127 stops.

Historical Context

Trondheim's Gothic cathedral, Norway's national shrine, was largely in ruins before restoration began in 1869, reopening fully in 1930 for King Olav's 900th death anniversary.