Unlike other Norwegian composers who encountered folk music from an urban perspective, Hjellemo grew up with folk music as his own, making its use in his works authentic.
Composer Biography
Hjellemo's father, Hans, crafted a violin for him when he was six years old, with strings reportedly made of horsehair.
Composer Biography
Ole Hjellemo, the composer, grew up in the small mountain village of Dovre, Norway, in what is now Rondane National Park, under rather poor conditions.
Composer Biography
To fund his music studies in Kristiania (now Oslo), Hjellemo joined the army, where he received thorough training at the artillery's music school and became the school's best student.
Recording & Production
The album's cover art features Harald Sohlberg's (1869-1935) painting 'Vinternatt i Rondane' (Winter night in Rondane), from the National Museum, Oslo.
Composition History
Hjellemo's Second Symphony, premiered in 1926, was only performed once before this recording, remaining unnoticed for 96 years.
Composer Biography
Hjellemo later acquired a high-quality violin that once belonged to the legendary folk musician Fant-Kal (c. 1775-1855), which he kept his entire life.
