A dispute in the Norwegian Composers Association over a scholarship for Harald Sæverud led to a fight at a concert between composer Per Reidarson and a journalist.
Composer Biography
Harald Sæverud, a Norwegian composer, claimed his music was 'wildly melancholic' because he was born on a former place of execution and graveyard.
Composition History
During the German occupation of Norway, Harald Sæverud saw his work as a composer as 'a struggle on a knife-edge with the occupying power', which made him highly productive.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Johan Halvorsen, a central figure in Norwegian orchestral life, claimed that Arabic and Norwegian music were related, often introducing exotic elements into his theatrical music.
Composition History
Fartein Valen, a Norwegian composer, was inspired to write Kirkegården ved havet (The churchyard by the sea) after reading Paul Valéry's poem 'Le Cimitière Marin' while on Mallorca.
Compositional Technique
Harald Sæverud's Kjempevise-slåtten, an ardent protest against the German occupiers, includes the BBC's Morse code V for Victory call sign played on the timpani in its orchestral version.
Performer Biography
Bjarte Engeset, the Norwegian conductor on this album, completed his training with the highest possible jury score awarded by the Sibelius Academy in its Diploma examinations.
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