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Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Gunnar Graarud was a Norwegian classical music artist who was born on August 28, 1890, in Oslo, Norway. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, Gustav Graarud, was a well-known violinist and conductor, and his mother, Marie Graarud, was a pianist. Gunnar Graarud showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Graarud received his formal music education at the Oslo Conservatory of Music, where he studied piano with Erika Nissen and composition with Catharinus Elling. He graduated in 1910 and continued his studies in Berlin, Germany, with the renowned pianist and teacher, Ferruccio Busoni. Graarud's time in Berlin was a formative period in his career, and he developed a deep appreciation for the music of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. Graarud made his debut as a concert pianist in 1912, performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. The performance was a great success, and Graarud quickly established himself as one of Norway's leading pianists. He went on to perform extensively throughout Europe, including in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. One of the highlights of Graarud's career was his performance of Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in 1922. The performance was conducted by Wilhelm Furtwängler and was widely praised for its virtuosity and musicality. Graarud's interpretation of the concerto became one of his signature pieces, and he performed it many times throughout his career. In addition to his performances as a soloist, Graarud was also a highly regarded chamber musician. He frequently performed with other musicians, including the violinist Arve Arvesen and the cellist Gregor Piatigorsky. Graarud was known for his sensitive and collaborative approach to chamber music, and his performances were highly acclaimed. Graarud was also a composer and wrote several works for piano, including a piano concerto and a set of variations on a Norwegian folk tune. His compositions were influenced by the Romantic tradition and were characterized by their lyrical melodies and rich harmonies. Throughout his career, Graarud received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1925, he was awarded the King's Medal of Merit by the Norwegian government, and in 1930, he was made a Knight of the Order of St. Olav. He was also awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog by the Danish government in 1949. Graarud continued to perform and teach throughout his life, and he was a beloved figure in the Norwegian music community. He died on December 15, 1960, in Oslo, at the age of 70. His legacy as a pianist, composer, and teacher continues to inspire musicians around the world, and his recordings remain a testament to his artistry and musicality.

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