Johan Svendsen is notable among 19th-century Norwegian composers for combining Romantic Nationalism with established classical forms.
Compositional Technique
Svendsen's four Norwegian Rhapsodies combine folk and art music, drawing material from Ludvig Lindeman's collection of Norwegian melodies.
Composer Biography
Johan Svendsen, born in Christiania (now Oslo), learned several instruments and played in his father's regimental band before focusing on the violin.
Composer Biography
Svendsen became the principal conductor of the Royal Opera in Copenhagen in 1883, where he raised orchestral standards and influenced younger musicians like Carl Nielsen.
Composer Biography
Svendsen's career became dominated by conducting after 1877, and he wrote only a handful of new works in his later years.
Performer Biography
Bjarte Engeset, the conductor, graduated from the Sibelius Academy with the highest possible score, acclaimed as one of its best students ever.
Composer Biography
Svendsen studied composition and conducting at the Leipzig Conservatory, even though he already had professional experience as a musician and several works to his name.
