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symphonist and a born orchestral conductor. His symphonies,
rhapsodies for orchestra, fantasias, «Carnival», transcriptions for string
orchestra, chamber-music, romances and male choruses are all of
the greatest artistic worth.
Next to him in the ranks of Musical Union conductors stands
Johan Selmer (born 1844). It is true his productions — a
number of great symphonic works of various kinds, male choruses
and full choruses alla capella, and a number of vocal compositions
— often bear too strong an impress of heaven-storming longing,
with grotesque forms, and forced modulations and expression; but
he possesses an unusually rich imagination, an indomitable
independence, and a strong, captivating, richly-coloured
instrumentation. Selmer, who is continually travelling, appeared in Paris in
1870, just before the war, was there during the siege, and was
elected by the Commune to be a member of a musical commission.
Upon the entrance of the Versailles troops, he was obliged to flee,
and came home to Norway in disguise. His great symphonic work,
«L’année terrible», dates from that time.
Selmer’s predecessor in the Musical Union, Ole Olsen (born
1850), is from the regions of the midnight sun. He has displayed
great activity as composer, conductor and leader of choral societies,
and serves as leader of the band of the 2nd Brigade in Kristiania,
with the rank of captain. His numerous compositions, which all
show considerable talent, and a fresh and vigorous artistic
temperament, are a symphony, two operas to librettos of his own,
symphonic poems, dramatic music of various kinds, cantatas, vocal
music and pianoforte pieces.
Of late years the Musical Union has been conducted by Iver
Holter (born 1850), who was formerly conductor in the Bergen
musical union, «Harmonien». He has also conducted at several
large national choral festivals, and conducts several choral societies
in Kristiania. A newly-formed town orchestra is mainly due to his
initiative. His compositions — symphony, suite for orchestra,
orchestral poem, chamber-music, chorus for male voices, songs —
have also greatly increased his reputation as a thorough and earnest
musician.
As Norway has no regular opera, and no permanently organised
concert orchestra in constant practice, musical life has, in a very
great measure, taken the form of occasional concerts.
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