Johan Svendsen was born in 1840 in Kristiania (Oslo). After a musical youth in the brass band, a performance of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony triggered him to become a composer. For that, he had to go to Leipzig, where the big boys were.
In 1862, he went on a secret trip but unfortunately only made it as far as Hamburg. The little money he earned playing in cafes slipped through his fingers. Fortunately, he received help from the Norwegian consul in Lübeck. This recognised his talent and provided a scholarship for him to study at the Leipzig Conservatory. Soon after, his creativity burst forth. He wanted to become a famous violinist and composer, but unfortunately, he injured his hand, which made composing music a priority. As a conductor, he mainly worked on the music of Wagner and Berlioz. In his scores, we hear primarily energy and poetry combined with Norwegian folk music. Both Grieg and, later, Nielsen repeatedly praised his virtuoso orchestral treatment.
Playlist:
Johan Severin Svendsen, 2nd Norwegian Rhapsody, op.19 Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Neeme Järvi
Johan Severin Svendsen, Symphony No.1, op.4 Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Thomas Dausgaard
Johan Severin Svendsen, Carnival in Paris, op.9 Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Neeme Järvi
