Episode 4
Donald Macleod explores Ole Bull's ambition to revolutionise Norway's musical culture, tracing his influence on Grieg, Svendsen and virtuoso pianist Agathe Backer-Grondahl.
Bull's dazzling concerts are matched by a burning ambition to revolutionize the musical culture of his native Norway, even if an attempt to start a music academy ends in failure. Donald Macleod traces the composer's influence in the music of his contemporaries Edvard Grieg, Johan Svendsen, and the piano virtuoso Agathe Backer-Grøndahl.
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Music Played
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Edvard Grieg
Norwegian Folksongs and Dances: I Sing with a Sorrowful Heart
Performer: Einar Steen-Nøkleberg (piano)
- NAXOS 8.550882.
- 7.
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Edvard Grieg
Sigurd Jorsalfar (excerpts)
Performer: Håkan Hagegård (baritone), male voices of Bergen Philharmonic Choir, Seim Songkor and Kor Vest, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Ole Kristian Ruud (conductor)
- BIS SACD-1391.
- 2 to 4.
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Winter-Hjelm
Deutsche Lieder: Frühlinsglob; Loose; Du Warst es Doch
Performer: Isa Katharina Gericke (soprano), Sveinung Bjelland (piano)
- SIMAX PSC1231.
- 26 to 28.
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Johan Svendsen
Symphony no 1 – 3rd movement (Allegretto scherzando)
Performer: Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, Terje Mikkelsen (conductor)
- CPO 777 372-2.
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Agathe Backer-Grøndahl
Three Études op.22
Performer: Geir Henning Braaten (piano)
- BIS CD 1106.
- 19 to 21.
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Johan Svendsen
Johan Severin Svendsen - Norwegian Rhapsody no.3
Performer: Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, Terje Mikkelsen (conductor)
Broadcasts
- Thu 16 Sep 201012:00BBC Radio 3
- Thu 16 Sep 201022:00BBC Radio 3
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