Johan Svendsen (18401911) was the first great Norwegian symphonic composer, as well as one of the leading conductors of his day. Next to Edvard Grieg, he was the most prominent figure in Norwegian music life at the end of the 1800s. Although he came from humble beginnings in Christiania (now Oslo), he was to become a cosmopolitan who felt at home al over Europe. Svendsen spent most of his adult life abroad, living in Copenhagen for almost 30 years. Both…
Johan Svendsen (18401911) was the first great Norwegian symphonic composer, as well as one of the leading conductors of his day. Next to Edvard Grieg, he was the most prominent figure in Norwegian music life at the end of the 1800s. Although he came from humble beginnings in Christiania (now Oslo), he was to become a cosmopolitan who felt at home al over Europe. Svendsen spent most of his adult life abroad, living in Copenhagen for almost 30 years. Both as a composer and a conductor, Svendsen contributed to setting a new standard as regards the potential of the orchestra. He lay the groundwork for a Norwegian symphonic tradition, and a number of his works will go down as classics in Norwegian music history.