Johan Svendsen: Energy, Poetry and Norwegian Folk Music
Born in Kristiania (Oslo) in 1840, Johan Svendsen grew up playing in a brass band. Hearing Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony performed proved to be the turning point that inspired him to become a composer. To pursue his ambitions, he needed to go to Leipzig, where the great musicians of the day were based. He set off secretly in 1862, but his journey came to an early halt in Hamburg. Whatever money he managed to earn playing in local cafés and restaurants quickly disappeared. His fortunes changed when the Norwegian consul recognised his talent and arranged a scholarship for him to study at the Leipzig Conservatory.
Before long, his creativity began to flourish. Svendsen dreamed of becoming a celebrated violinist and composer, but an injury to his hand meant that composing had to take priority. As a conductor, he devoted much of his energy to promoting the music of Wagner and Berlioz. His own scores are characterised above all by energy and poetry, combined with elements of Norwegian folk music. Both Grieg and, later, Nielsen repeatedly praised his virtuoso orchestration.
Playlist:
- Johan Severin Svendsen – Norwegian Rhapsody No. 2, Op. 19
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Neeme Järvi - Johan Severin Svendsen – Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 4
Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Dausgaard - Johan Severin Svendsen – Karneval i Paris, Op. 9
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Neeme Järvi
