Country

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Norway

 

Morten Gunnar Larsen is a Norwegian classical music artist who has made a name for himself as a pianist, composer, and musicologist. Born on October 8, 1955, in Oslo, Norway, Larsen grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. Larsen started playing the piano at the age of six and showed a natural talent for the instrument. Larsen's early musical education was at the Barratt Due Institute of Music in Oslo, where he studied with the renowned pianist Robert Riefling. He later went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. Larsen also studied musicology at the University of Oslo, where he received a Master of Arts degree. Larsen's career as a classical music artist began in the 1980s when he started performing as a solo pianist. He quickly gained a reputation for his virtuosic playing and his ability to bring new life to old music. Larsen's repertoire includes works by classical composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, as well as jazz and ragtime music. One of Larsen's most significant achievements as a classical music artist was his performance of Scott Joplin's complete piano works. Larsen spent years researching Joplin's music and studying the composer's life and times. In 1987, Larsen released a recording of Joplin's complete piano works, which received critical acclaim and helped to revive interest in Joplin's music. Larsen has also composed his own music, which is heavily influenced by jazz and ragtime. His compositions include "The Ragtime Dance," "The Entertainer's Rag," and "The Maple Leaf Ragtime Suite." Larsen's music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Larsen is also a musicologist. He has written extensively about the history of ragtime and jazz music and has published several books on the subject. Larsen's research has helped to shed new light on the origins and development of these musical genres. Larsen has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1991, he was awarded the Norwegian Music Critics' Prize for his recording of Joplin's complete piano works. In 2002, he received the Buddy Award, which is the highest honor in Norwegian jazz. In 2015, Larsen was awarded the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for his contributions to Norwegian culture. Larsen continues to perform and record music, and he remains a leading figure in the world of classical music. His passion for music and his dedication to preserving and promoting the works of classical and jazz composers have made him a beloved and respected figure in the music world.

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