Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Norway

Birth

:

November 25, 1919 in Christiania, Norway

Death

:

1994

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Oistein Sommerfeldt was a Norwegian composer who was born on August 24, 1919, in Oslo, Norway. He was the son of the famous Norwegian composer Christian Sommerfeldt, who was a professor of music at the Oslo Conservatory of Music. Oistein Sommerfeldt grew up in a musical family and was exposed to music from a very young age. He started playing the piano at the age of six and later learned to play the violin and the cello. Sommerfeldt studied music at the Oslo Conservatory of Music and later at the Juilliard School in New York City. He also studied composition with the famous composer Aaron Copland. Sommerfeldt's early works were influenced by the Norwegian folk music tradition and the works of his father. He wrote his first symphony at the age of 21, which was premiered by the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. Sommerfeldt's music was characterized by its lyrical and melodic qualities, and his works often featured Norwegian folk melodies and themes. He was also influenced by the works of other composers such as Jean Sibelius and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Sommerfeldt's music was often described as romantic and emotional, and he was known for his ability to create beautiful and memorable melodies. One of Sommerfeldt's most famous works is his Symphony No. 2, which was premiered in 1953 by the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. The symphony is a tribute to the Norwegian landscape and features themes inspired by the mountains, fjords, and forests of Norway. The symphony is divided into four movements, each of which represents a different aspect of the Norwegian landscape. The symphony was well-received by audiences and critics alike and is considered one of Sommerfeldt's greatest works. Another notable work by Sommerfeldt is his Piano Concerto, which was premiered in 1956 by the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. The concerto is characterized by its virtuosic piano writing and its beautiful melodies. The concerto was written for the Norwegian pianist Robert Riefling, who gave the premiere performance. The concerto has since become a staple of the piano repertoire and is considered one of Sommerfeldt's most popular works. Sommerfeldt also wrote a number of chamber music works, including string quartets, piano trios, and sonatas. His chamber music works are characterized by their intimate and lyrical qualities and often feature Norwegian folk melodies. One of his most famous chamber music works is his String Quartet No. 2, which was premiered in 1960. The quartet is characterized by its beautiful melodies and its use of Norwegian folk themes. In addition to his work as a composer, Sommerfeldt was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Oslo Conservatory of Music and later at the Bergen Conservatory of Music. He was also a member of the Norwegian Academy of Music and served as its president from 1975 to 1981. Sommerfeldt continued to compose music throughout his life and wrote a number of works in his later years. He died on December 14, 1994, in Bergen, Norway, at the age of 75. His legacy as a composer and educator continues to be celebrated in Norway and around the world.

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