Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Norway

Birth

:

April 17, 1897 in Bergen, Norway

Death

:

March 27, 1992 in Bergen, Norway

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

Harald Saeverud was a Norwegian composer born on April 17, 1897, in Bergen, Norway. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, Christian Saeverud, was a violinist and conductor, and his mother, Marie Saeverud, was a pianist. Harald Saeverud showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Saeverud studied music at the Bergen Conservatory and later at the Oslo Conservatory. He also studied composition with the famous Norwegian composer, Johan Halvorsen. Saeverud's early works were influenced by the Norwegian folk music tradition and the works of Edvard Grieg. He also drew inspiration from the landscapes and nature of Norway. Saeverud's first major work was his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 1921. The symphony was well-received and established Saeverud as a promising young composer. He went on to compose several more symphonies, including Symphony No. 2, which was premiered in 1927 and Symphony No. 3, which was premiered in 1932. In addition to his symphonies, Saeverud composed a number of chamber works, including string quartets, piano trios, and sonatas. He also wrote several works for solo piano, including his Piano Sonata No. 1, which was premiered in 1924. Saeverud's music was characterized by its use of Norwegian folk melodies and rhythms, as well as its dramatic and emotional intensity. His works often featured complex harmonies and rhythms, and he was known for his skillful orchestration. During World War II, Saeverud was active in the Norwegian resistance movement and composed several works inspired by the war, including his Symphony No. 6, which was premiered in 1945. The symphony was dedicated to the Norwegian resistance fighters and was a tribute to their bravery and sacrifice. After the war, Saeverud continued to compose and was awarded several prestigious prizes, including the Norwegian State Artist's Salary in 1952 and the Order of St. Olav in 1966. He also served as a professor of composition at the Oslo Conservatory from 1946 to 1961. Saeverud's later works were more experimental and avant-garde, reflecting his interest in contemporary music. He continued to draw inspiration from Norwegian folk music, but also incorporated elements of jazz and serialism into his compositions. Saeverud died on March 23, 1992, in Oslo, Norway, at the age of 94. He left behind a legacy of over 200 works, including nine symphonies, numerous chamber works, and several works for solo piano. His music continues to be performed and recorded today, and he is considered one of Norway's greatest composers.

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