Wonderful new recording of Nørgård’s first symphony, and the premiere recording of his eighth
5
By mwilcox15
Per Nørgård is one of today’s leading contemporary composers. The Da Capo label has done a wonderful job championing his music, and it’s especially rewarding to see no less than the Vienna Philharmonic and conductor Sakari Oramo performing Nørgård’s first and latest symphonies. As other reviewers have noted, the influences of Sibelius and Nielsen are present. The contrast between the mysteriousness of Symphony No. 1 “Sinfonia austera” (1953-1955, rev. 1956) and the lightness of Symphony No. 8 (2010-2011) helps provide an enjoyable listening experience for those eager to try out unfamiliar Nordic orchestral music.
Nørgård had become a pupil of Vagn Holmboe as a teenager, and his tutor soon after showed him a score of Sibelius’ First Symphony. Nørgård’s Symphony No. 1, written when the composer was in his 20s, was influenced by hearing a performance of Holmboe’s Symphony No. 8 “Sinfonia boreale” (“Northern Symphony”, 1953). The following year, Nørgård wrote a letter to Sibelius, complimenting his composing style and providing analysis. He also included with the letter his Quintet Op. 1. Sibelius wrote a favorable reply, and though Nørgård visited Sibelius at his home that same year, he did not have the courage to introduce himself.
This story (which I paraphrased from the CD’s booklet) was, I thought, a bit of confirmation in the mention of Sibelius’ influence on Nørgård’s compositions. The disc itself is a Super Audio CD hybrid, so the sonics are clear and vibrant, and it can still be played on a conventional CD player. Highly recommended.
