Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1955

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Terje Bjorn Lerstad was a Norwegian composer who was born on May 22, 1959, in the city of Bergen. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a pianist and his mother a singer. From a young age, Lerstad showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Lerstad's musical education began at the Bergen Conservatory of Music, where he studied piano, composition, and conducting. He later went on to study at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, where he received a degree in composition. Throughout his career, Lerstad composed a wide range of works, including orchestral pieces, chamber music, and vocal music. His music was often characterized by its use of traditional tonality and its incorporation of Norwegian folk music. One of Lerstad's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was composed in 1989. The piece is scored for a large orchestra and is divided into four movements. The first movement, marked "Allegro con brio," is a lively and energetic opening that sets the tone for the rest of the symphony. The second movement, "Adagio," is a slow and contemplative piece that features a haunting melody played by the strings. The third movement, "Scherzo," is a playful and rhythmic section that showcases Lerstad's skill as an orchestrator. The final movement, "Allegro," is a triumphant and celebratory conclusion to the symphony. Another notable work by Lerstad is his Piano Concerto, which was composed in 1995. The piece is scored for piano and orchestra and is divided into three movements. The first movement, marked "Allegro," is a fast and virtuosic section that features intricate piano passages and a lively orchestral accompaniment. The second movement, "Adagio," is a slow and lyrical piece that showcases the piano's expressive capabilities. The final movement, "Allegro vivace," is a lively and energetic conclusion to the concerto. In addition to his orchestral works, Lerstad also composed a number of chamber music pieces. One of his most notable chamber works is his String Quartet No. 1, which was composed in 1990. The piece is scored for two violins, viola, and cello and is divided into four movements. The first movement, marked "Allegro," is a fast and lively section that features intricate interplay between the four instruments. The second movement, "Adagio," is a slow and contemplative piece that showcases the quartet's ability to create a rich and expressive sound. The third movement, "Scherzo," is a playful and rhythmic section that features a lively pizzicato accompaniment. The final movement, "Allegro," is a fast and energetic conclusion to the quartet. Throughout his career, Lerstad received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1991, he was awarded the Norwegian Society of Composers' Prize for his Symphony No. 1. He was also awarded the Edvard Grieg Prize in 1995 for his Piano Concerto. Lerstad continued to compose music throughout his life, and his works have been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world. He passed away on December 22, 2017, at the age of 58, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful and inspiring music.

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