Norwegian composers

[Symphonic Addict]

Prompted by some discussion here, I was listening to other Norwegian symphonies: Sinding's Symphony No. 1 in D minor and Irgens-Jensen's choral symphony (or oratorio) 'Heimferd' (Coming Home).



The Sinding (composed between 1887 and 1890) is a rediscovery, actually, and I'm thoroughly impressed. This powerful work just perspires "epicness" all the way through, the themes/melodies are tinged with heroism and portraying a vivid feeling of adventure (in a sort of way), being the 3rd movement that gave me that impression more strongly. Not many symphonies were written in the 19th century, but this one easily is the best of the bunch.

On the other hand, the Irgens-Jensen is a first listen. I had to wait many years to finally find out how it sounds like. For a work written in 1930, its idiom is conservative. It's an extensive work for soloists, chorus and orchestra lasting 84 minutes. It commemorates the 900th anniversary of the death of King Olav and of the final victory of Christianity in Norway, and the music possess a rather contemplative, sometimes religious feel to it, just like some moments of moderate grandiosity. It's a fine work I must say, but it didn't meet my expectations completely. I was expecting a tad more of fierceness and struggle, but knowing the composer's style beforehand, it shouldn't surprise me much, anyway. All in all, it's nice to have it and revisit it on other occasions.

[Symphonic Addict]

To be released on February 7 2025:



Nice to have another recording of those symphonies (there are two on CPO and Finlandia IIRC). However, when Rosenberg, von Koch et al are going to have their own complete cycles recorded?

[foxandpeng]

To be released on February 7 2025:



Nice to have another recording of those symphonies (there are two on CPO and Finlandia IIRC). However, when Rosenberg, von Koch et al are going to have their own complete cycles recorded?

I look forward to this. Rosenberg, yes. Long, long overdue.

[Karl Henning]

Another show by @SurprisedByBeauty