Ole Kristian Ruud, the conductor on this album, has received several prestigious awards, including the Grieg Prize (1992) and the Norwegian Critics Prize (1993).
Compositional Technique
Saeverud's neo-classical music was distinctive because melody was always one of its main supporting pillars, making his style instantly recognizable.
Composition History
Saeverud's popular Rondo amoroso originated from a conversation with his young son, Sveinung, who inadvertently provided the key to the composer's inspiration.
Historical Context
During World War II, Saeverud composed his three 'war symphonies' (Nos. 5-7) as musical protests against the German occupation of Norway.
Composer Biography
Harald Saeverud (1897-1992) was a Norwegian modernist composer who received a state funeral, typically reserved for presidents, televised throughout the country.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Unlike Edvard Grieg, who arranged folk melodies, Saeverud used folklore as a general inspiration to create his own original folk-like melodies.
Composer Biography
Saeverud was primarily an orchestral composer, and his nine symphonies establish him as Norway's leading symphonist.
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