Sigurd Lie – Complete Chamber Music – Jonas Båtstrand

Sigurd Lie has long been a forgotten gem in Norwegian music history but has received renewed attention in recent years. Now, his complete chamber music works are finally available, recorded by some of Norway’s finest musicians: Jonas Båtstrand, Jørn Fossheim, Lars Lunde, Kjell Åge Stoveland, and Ariel De Wolf. 

Sigurd Lie (1871–1904) was a Norwegian composer and violinist, born into a musical family in Drammen. His family soon moved to Kristiansand, where he was brought up.. His father, Frederik Gill Lie, was an active figure in the city’s music scene, leading choirs and a vocal quartet. Sigurd showed early musical talent, receiving lessons in violin and piano. After completing secondary school at Katedralskolen in Kristiania, he began university studies but simultaneously studied music at Lindeman’s Music School. Ultimately, he decided to fully pursue music and went to Leipzig for further studies. In Leipzig, Sigurd studied composition under Carl Reinecke and counterpoint with Wilhelm Rust. During his studies, he composed several works, including a string quartet and a piano quintet. After his studies, he worked as a violinist in Norway and continued composing. His most well-known piece from this period is his Piano Quintet, which was well-received by critics and audiences alike. In addition to composing, Sigurd worked as a violinist and conductor. However, his health was a persistent issue, as he suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis, which frequently affected his ability to work. Despite this, he composed several significant pieces, including a symphony and numerous songs. Sigurd Lie died young, at just 33, but his music and contributions to Norwegian music history endure. 

Jørn Fossheim shares:  

It is gratifying that Sigurd Lie’s music appears to be gaining new life in the modern day. The symphony, several of his other orchestral works and a complete collection of his songs are already available on CD. This recording of his collected chamber music is now joining the others, and it is hoped that it will serve as an inspiration for musicians and arrangers to include Sigurd Lie’s works in future concert programmes.