Svendsen, Johan

Norsk rapsodi nr. 2, op. 19

Norwegian Rhapsody No. 2, Op. 19

([fr]: Rapsodie norvégienne. (No 2).)

JSV 69

Johan Svendsen (1840–1911) wrote his four Norwegian rhapsodies in the years 1876–1877, toward the end of his first period in Norway while living and working in Christiania(Oslo) as a composer and conductor. The rhapsodies also represent the culmination of his most creative fifteen years as a composer. From here on, no more major orchestral works would flow from Svendsen’s pen. Lindeman’s Older and Newer Norwegian Mountain Melodies was released in three volumes between 1853 and 1867. Svendsen became familiar with these melodies early on. But it was probably not until 1876–1877 that Svendsen explored the material in depth.

The second rhapsody makes use of four melodies from Lindeman’s collection – the second part of the song Huldre aa en Elland, (Lindeman Vol. I/71), the song Sjugur aa Troldbrura from Hallingdal (Lindeman Vol. I/22), Springdans from Åmot in Østerdalen (Lindeman Vol. II/328) and Springdans (Lindeman Vol. II/386). The last of these two dances was also used by Edvard Grieg in the third of his 25 Norwegian Folk Songs and Dances, Op. 17.

Besides the Romance, Op. 26, the rhapsodies were Svendsen’s most frequently performed works during his own lifetime. Warmuth’s new publications quickly made their way out into the world, and the editions were undoubtedly a success for him as well. Even in the first years, numerous performances were given all across the world, many of them conducted by others than Svendsen.

Composition: 1876?.

Christiania

Allegro

Key: A major

Extent: ca. 10 min.