Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Norway

Birth

:

1912

Death

:

1991

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Gunnar Sonstevold was a Norwegian composer and musician who was born on August 22, 1927, in Bergen, Norway. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, Sigurd Sonstevold, was a well-known composer and conductor in Norway, and his mother, Ingeborg, was a pianist. Gunnar showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Sonstevold studied music at the Bergen Conservatory and later at the Oslo Conservatory. He also studied composition with the renowned Norwegian composer, Bjarne Brustad. In 1951, he won a scholarship to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied composition with Vincent Persichetti and conducting with Jean Morel. After completing his studies in the United States, Sonstevold returned to Norway and began his career as a composer and conductor. He worked as a conductor for several orchestras in Norway, including the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Norwegian Radio Orchestra. He also taught composition at the Bergen Conservatory and the Oslo Conservatory. Sonstevold's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and use of Norwegian folk music. He was influenced by the music of Edvard Grieg and Jean Sibelius, as well as by the modernist composers of the mid-20th century. One of Sonstevold's most famous works is his Symphony No. 2, which was premiered by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in 1960. The symphony is a four-movement work that is characterized by its sweeping melodies and lush orchestration. The second movement, in particular, is notable for its use of Norwegian folk music. Another notable work by Sonstevold is his Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, which was premiered in 1963. The concerto is a three-movement work that showcases the virtuosity of the flute. The first movement is a lively and rhythmic dance, while the second movement is a lyrical and expressive ballad. The third movement is a fast and energetic finale that features a cadenza for the flute. In addition to his orchestral works, Sonstevold also wrote chamber music and vocal music. His String Quartet No. 1, which was premiered in 1955, is a four-movement work that is characterized by its use of Norwegian folk music. The quartet is notable for its use of unusual harmonies and rhythms. Sonstevold's vocal music includes several choral works and art songs. His choral works are characterized by their lush harmonies and use of Norwegian folk music. His art songs, which are settings of Norwegian poetry, are notable for their lyrical melodies and expressive harmonies. Throughout his career, Sonstevold received numerous awards and honors for his music. In 1961, he was awarded the Lindeman Prize, which is one of the most prestigious awards for Norwegian composers. He was also awarded the King's Medal of Merit in gold in 1997 for his contributions to Norwegian music. Gunnar Sonstevold died on December 27, 1991, in Bergen, Norway. He left behind a legacy of beautiful and expressive music that continues to be performed and appreciated by audiences around the world.

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