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Otto Winter-HjelmNorwegian composer, organist and conductor.
Date of Birth: 08.10.1837
Country:  Norway |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Musical Career
- Compositions and Publications
- - "Lyset" (1897): A cantata with text by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson.
- Legacy
Early Life and Education
Johan Svendsen was born on September 30, 1840, in Christiania (now Oslo), Norway, to Claus Winter-Hjelm, a renowned lawyer and Supreme Court judge. Initially pursuing theological studies at the University of Christiania, Svendsen later switched to studying music under the guidance of Halfdan Kjerulf. Between 1857 and 1858, he furthered his musical education at the Leipzig Conservatory and subsequently at Theodor Kullak's New Academy of Music in Berlin.
Musical Career
During his time in Berlin, Svendsen composed his Symphony in B-flat Major (1862), becoming the first Norwegian composer to venture into this genre. Upon returning to Norway, he took on the role of conductor for the Philharmonic Society of Christiania alongside Edvard Grieg and held teaching positions. From 1874 to 1921, he served as the organist at Trinity Church in Oslo.
Compositions and Publications
Svendsen's notable compositions include:- "Thirty-Seven Old Hymns" (1876): A collection of traditional Norwegian hymns based on the folkloric research of Ludvig M. Lindeman.
- "Lyset" (1897): A cantata with text by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson.
- Numerous chamber piecesMusical Criticism
In addition to his musical compositions, Svendsen played a role in Norwegian music criticism. From 1886 to 1913, he wrote reviews for the newspaper "Aftenposten," expressing his conservative viewpoints on music.
Legacy
Johan Svendsen's contributions to Norwegian music, particularly through his compositions and his role in the development of the Philharmonic Society of Christiania, helped shape the musical landscape of his country. He is remembered as one of the most influential Norwegian composers of the 19th century.
