Svendsen, Johan

Norsk rapsodi nr. 3, op. 21

Norwegian Rhapsody No. 3, Op. 21

([fr]: Rapsodie norvégienne. (No.3).)

JSV 70

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 third rhapsody incorporates five melodies from Lindeman’s collection – Springlaatt from Gol in Hallingdal (Lindeman Vol. II/464), Springdans (Lindeman Vol. I/194), Asmund Fregdegjævar from Seljord (Lindeman Vol. I/42), the song Ho Guro from Valdres (Lindeman Vol. I/150) and another song, Aa Lensmand han ha no ei graaskjimra from Stadsbygden near Trondheim (Lindeman Vol. II/516). Springlaatt was also used by Edvard Grieg as the first 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 molto

Key: C major

Extent: ca. 9 min.

Primary texts

Letters:

25 Jan. 1878	from Franz Liszt to Carl Warmuth
22 May 1879	from Johan Svendsen to Gulbrand Svendsen
22 Nov. 1879, Paris	from Johan Svendsen to Carl Warmuth , Nasjonalbiblioteket, Oslo Brevs. 126:52 . NB-digital
24 Mar. 1885	from Johan Svendsen to Carl Warmuth
1 Aug. 1900, Paris	from Johan Svendsen to Julie Svendsen, Nasjonalbiblioteket, Oslo Brevs. 126:48. NB-digital