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Nordic Composers: "Songs of the North"
Overview:
Join Active Minds as we explore the music of Nordic cultures. Because of geographic distances, the music of northern Europe has been relatively “under-appreciated” over the years. We’ll discuss the life, times and music of the two most noted composers of that region: Edvard Grieg of Norway and Jean Sibelius of Finland. We will also cover other composers whose musical richness and abilities may surprise you and warm your heart. No previous knowledge is needed.
Key Lecture Points:
• The major Nordic (Scandinavian) countries include Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. The minor countries (Iceland, Baltic States, Faroe Islands, etc.) owe the bulk of their musical heritage to the four major countries.
• Folksongs of each Nordic country and their ethnic regions were distinguished primarily by the instruments and instrument combinations, rather than the music itself. Folk instruments included: the standard violin, flute, accordion, drum, dulcimer, harmonica, accordion and the distinctive hardanger fiddle.
• The 9-string hardanger fiddle defined a particularly Norwegian sound that composers tried to imitate in their works. Fiddling competitions of all sizes and genres have become a big part of all Nordic cultural traditions. Norwegian icon and renowned violin virtuoso Ole Bull was known as the “Paganini of the North.”
• The Nordic (Scandinavian) countries have been relatively free of cross-border wars since the Viking conquests (800-1100 A.D.) and have often been united politically. During the 19th Century, musical nationalism gave rise to each country’s composers seeking to define a distinct musical style that could stand uniquely on its own.
• Two composers in particular, Edvard Grieg in Norway and Jean Sibelius in Finland, rose to the level of national heroes. They defined their respective country’s national music and placed it in the concert halls of Europe. Grieg and Sibelius also rose to become very popular in Europe and America.
• Other composers adopted nationalistic zeal and were well-respected throughout their country and Europe. Examples include: Sweden: Johan Roman (1694-1758), Wilhelm Stenhammar (1871-1927), Hugo Alfven (1872-1960), Dag Wiren (1905-1986); Denmark: Friedrich Kuhlau (1786-1832), Niels Gade (1817-1890); Norway: Johan Svendsen (1840-1911), Christian Sinding (1856-1941); Finland: Bernhard Crusell (1775-1838), Selim Palmgren (1878-1951).
Exploration Questions:
• How would you best describe the general mood of composer Jean Sibelius?
• Is his music reflective of that mood?
• Would you consider Edvard Grieg to be the greatest of Nordic composers?
Reflective Questions:
• Why have the composers listed above remained relatively obscure?
• Can you hear the folksongs depicted in music of Scandinavian Nationalism?
• Can you remember the first time you heard Grieg’s Piano Concerto?
More to Explore:
• Edvard Grieg: www.mnc.net
• Jean Sibelius: www.sibelius.fi
Books For Further Reading:
• Smith, Frederick Key. Nordic Art Music: From the Middle Ages to the Third Millennium. Publisher: Praeger (2002). 216 pages. Over the course of the last several centuries, Nordic countries developed a unique and viable art music history that easily rivals that of their continental neighbors. Author Smith provides an informative and accessible overview of the fascinating historical and aesthetic developments of this music and its creators, from the Middle Ages to the beginning of this new century. This is the first English-language book of its type in nearly 40 years. Click here to order.
• Grimley, Daniel M. Grieg: Music, Landscape and Norwegian Identity. Publisher: Boydell Press (2006). 258 pages. Author Grimley examines the role which music and landscape played in the formation of Norwegian cultural identity in the nineteenth century, and the function that landscape has performed in Grieg's work. It presents new perspectives on the relationships between music, landscape and identity. Click here to order.
• Goss, Glenda Dawn. Sibelius: A Composer's Life and the Awakening of Finland. Publisher: University Of Chicago Press (2009). 549 pages. One of the twentieth century’s greatest composers, Jean Sibelius (1865–1957) virtually stopped writing music during the last thirty years of his life. Recasting his mysterious musical silence and his undeniably influential life against the backdrop of Finland’s national awakening, Sibelius will be the definitive biography of this creative legend for many years to come. Click here to order.
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