Henrik Ødegaard (1955) graduated from the Norwegian Academy of Music as a music teacher in 1977. In 1980 he graduated from his church music studies at the Bergen Conservatory and in 1990 he earned his diploma for his compositional studies at the Norwegian Academy of Music. Ødegaard spent 1989-90 studying composition with Tristan Keuris at the Utrecht Conservatorium in Holland, and he has also studied gregorian conducting at the National Conservatory in Paris. Ødegaards list if works cover all genres,…
Henrik Ødegaard (1955) graduated from the Norwegian Academy of Music as a music teacher in 1977. In 1980 he graduated from his church music studies at the Bergen Conservatory and in 1990 he earned his diploma for his compositional studies at the Norwegian Academy of Music. Ødegaard spent 1989-90 studying composition with Tristan Keuris at the Utrecht Conservatorium in Holland, and he has also studied gregorian conducting at the National Conservatory in Paris. Ødegaards list if works cover all genres, with emphasis on vocal music. Norwegian folk music and gregorian chant are sources of inspiration that often come to sound in his pieces. Ødegaard have strived to make the authentic, ethnic style in folk song survive in new choral arrangements. Many of his works are composed for amateurs and children, or to musical meetings between them and professionals. In his most recent pieces he explore the use of non-tempered intervals and overtone singing.
In the period 1982-2006 Ødegaard held the position as organist/choir conductor in Sauherad, Telemark. Residing in Telemark puts Ødegaard in the centre of a vital folk-music scene – a musical heritage that has proved to play an increasing part in his compositions. The use of micro-tonality as a melodic element is part of the composer’s approximation process towards folk music. Ødegaard has devoted much work focusing on the Hardanger Fiddle, and has also long-standing collaborations with the Oslo Chamber Choir and Vest-Oppland Chamber Choir on projects that involve arrangements of traditional Norwegian folk tunes. From 2006 he is a full time composer.
2008