Norwegian Heartland: The Romantic Orchestral Heritage

Norwegian Heartland – The Romantic Orchestral Heritage

Johan Svendsen: Norwegian Rhapsody no. 3, Norwegian Artist's Carnival
Edvard Grieg: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in A minor
Johan Halvorsen: Norwegian Rhapsody no. 2, Bergensiana, Entry of the Boyars
Harald Sæverud: Peer Gynt Suite no. 1, Her Last Lullaby, Rondo Amoroso, Canto Rivoltoso
Geirr Tveitt: from Hundred Folk-tunes from Hardanger

Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
Michail Jurowski, conductor
Sigurd Slåttebrekk, piano
Arve Moen Bergset, piano
Isa Katharina Gericke, soprano

What better way to celebrate the centenary of Norway in 2005 than to present the music written by their five greatest orchestral composers in the national romantic tradition. Five different composers merging national and international inspiration in their music. This is the Heartland of Norway's classical orchestral tradition, presented in new and sparkling performances by one of the top orchestras in the world. Released as SACD Hybrid 5.1 surround/stereo.

There is no question that the arts where extremely important in the movement that brought Norway out of its union with Sweden in 1905. In 2005 it seems appropriate to look back and give a coherent musical image of the national consciousness that was prevailing before and around 1905, and had great impact on the generations to come. From Svendsen, Grieg and Halvorsen to Sæverud and Tveitt: it is the sound of Norwegian stone, mountains, soil and landscapes. Norwegians recognizes themselves in this music, and the rest of the world knows us by it.

These are five composers with strong individual profiles and characteristics - very different in their expression, but with this unmistakable Norwegian attribute as an inspirational driving force audible in their music. They all relate in one way or another to the Norwegian folk musical tradition. Incorporating and developing themes as Svendsen, Grieg and Halvorsen does, collecting and expanding tunes within and orchestral spectrum as does Tveitt, or hooking on to the very spirit behind the folk music in Sæverud's fashion. This music holds a multitude of different moods and experiences, just like the country itself.