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Click on a cathegory below: ■ Orchestral Works All works from 1966 onwards are based on commissions by orchestras, institutions, societies and musicians. Publishers’ codes: see Publishers/Links at the menu bar |
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Divertimento op. 3 (1941), 18′
String Orchestra (or 5 string instruments)
NMO – 18′
Norwegian Overture op. 7 (1951), 7′
2-2-2-2 4-2-0-0 timp str
MU-HU
Variations and Fugue op. 14 (1954 ), 15′
2(1)-2(1)-2-2 4-2-3-0 timp perc harp str
Recording: Hemera HCD 2929 “Orchestral works”
NMO
Symphony nr. 1 op. 18 (1959), 32′
2(1)2 (1)-2-2 4-2-0-0 timp perc str
NMO
Symphonic Epos op. 21 (1962), 18′
2(1)-2(1)-2 4-3-2-1 timp perc cel str
Recording: Aurora ACD 4986
MU-HU
Skipper Worse Suite op. 28.B (1968), 17′
Music from the television play Skipper Worse
2(1)-2-2(1)-2 2-3-2-0 timp perc cel str
NMO
Sinfonia Concertante op. 29 (1968), 18′
3(1) -3(1)-2-2 4-3-3(1)-(1)-1timp perc pf str
Commissioned by Musikselskapet Harmonien Bergen
Recording: Hemera CD2929
NMO
Antagonia op. 38 (1973), 23′
Commissioned by Filharmonisk Selskap
Recordings: Aurora NCD-B 4955 and NC 4955
MU-HU
Triptychon op. 53 (1979), 13′
3(1)-2-2-2 4-3-3-1 timp perc str
Recording: Hemera HCD 2929 “Orchestral Works”
NMO
Concerto for Chamber Orchestra op. 55 (1980), 15′
1-1-1-1 1-1-1-0 str
NMO
Click for music sample
Visions Norvegiennes pour orchestre op. 67 (1985), 15′
(Norske Utsyn, lyrisk orkesterfantasi )
NMO
Sonata for Strings op. 79 (1994), 12′ 45”
Commissioned by Norsk Kulturråd for its 30th Anniversary
Recording: Intim Musik IMCD 065 ( “A Norwegian Rendezvous” )
NMO
■ Works for solo instrument with orchestra
Concerto for Flute and Strings op. 22 (1963), 14’30”
Flute solo, str
NMO
The work is written in close collaboration with the flutist Per Øien. The opening capriccio has a clearly defined rythmic statement, which plays an important role in the movements intense coda. The exposition of the main theme ends with an inverted variant. The next three movements are played without a pause. In the second of these there is an aria, where Kvandal gives free rein to his imagination in a movement comprising a long melody, culminating in a passionate climax. As in the first movement there comes a cadenza and at last a rondo, which closes with a brilliant coda. (Morten Gaathaug. Transl. by Sandra Hamilton).
Kvandals konsert er et fint verk, vel avbalansert og ypperlig skrevet for besetningen. En usedvanlig vakker langsom sats blir innfattet av to velskrevne yttersatser, og kadensen er fint formet.
Finn Mortensen, Dagbladet, 10.03.1966
Recordings: Aurora ACD4986 and Simax PSC1806
Concerto for Oboe and String Orchestra op. 46 (1977), 20`
Oboe, strings
NMO
The concerto reveals a magnetizing musical fluency, and has a condensed middle movement with elements of folk music.
Carl Gunnar Åhlên, Svenska Dagbladet, Stockholm 14.6.1977
There is no superabundance of oboe concertos. So when the Norwegian composer Johan Kvandal presented a concerto for oboe and string orchestra in 1977, it was welcomed by oboists with delight. Splendidly suited to the instrument, it is, with its form of modern tonality and rythmic vitality, a piece that will appeal to an audience who normally shrinks from distinctlymodern music.
Hans Voigt, Berlingske Tidende, Copenhagen, 24.7.1980
Recordings: Aurora NCD-B 4955 and NC4955
Concerto for Violin and and Orchestra op. 52 (1979), 30`
2(1)-2-2-2 4-3-3-1 timp, perc, cel, str.
NMO
Johan Kvandals Violin Concerto is such a monumental composition that I shouldn’t be surprised if were the best Norwegian work in this genre.The solo part is extremely well suited to the violin, with a real sense of flow through all three movements. The concerto opens with ‘Norwegian rythms’, contrasted by a lyrical second theme. The lovely, long second movement unfolds characteristically without bravura, and has an expressive cadenza. The finale is characterized by a lighter, elegant rythm.
Reimar Riefling, Verdens Gang 18.8. 1979
Recordings: Aurora NCD-B 4955 and NC 4955. Hemera HCD2929
Legend op. 61A for basson solo and string orchestra (or five solo strings), 7`
NMO
Concerto for Organ and String Orcestra op 62 (1984), 15`
NMO
Organ solo, string orchestra (or string quartet)
Poem (From a lost World ) op. 66B (1985), 6′ 20”
NMO
Violin and String Orchestra, (or violin and piano/organ)
Concerto for two Pianos and Orchestra op77 (1993), 23′ 2-2-2-2 4331, timp, perc, cel, str.
Commissioned by the Edvard Grieg Society, New York
Fantasia for Hardanger Fiddle and String Orchestra op 82 (1995), 15′
NMO
Commissioned by Ole Bull Academy
Recording: Intim musik IMCD065 (“A Norwegian rendevous”).
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra op.85 (1998), 29′ 30”
WarnerChappel/GehrmansMusikfôrlag, Stockholm.
Recording: Simax PSC 1234.
Divertimento for 5 solo string instruments op.3 (1941), 18′
NMO
(Also for string orchestra)
Fugue for String Quartet (1946), 5′
NMO
String Quartet nr. 1. op. 11 (1954), 26′
NMO
String Trio op. 12 (1950), 23′
NMO
Rondo for Violin and Piano op. 16 nr. 1 (1941), 6`
NMO
Capriccio for Violin and Piano op. 16 nr. 2 (1955), 5′
NMO
Romance for Violin and Piano op. 16 nr. 3 (1964), 3′
NMO
Romance for Flute and Piano op. 16 nr. 4 (1964), 3′
NMO
Flute, piano/ organ
Duo for Violin and Cello op. 19 (1959), 15′
MU-HU
Three Hymn Tunes for Wind Quintet op. 23B (1963), 7′
NMO
Recording: Naxos 8.553050
Aria, Cadenza e Finale op. 24 for Violin and Piano (1964), 10′
MU-HU
String Quartet nr. 2, op. 27 (1966), 18′
NMO
Recording: CD: Aurora ACD 4986
Commisioned by Ny Musikk
Introduction and Allegro for Horn and Piano op. 30 (1969), 8′
NMO
Recordings: Varese International vs -81016, AimeeLainesse 001/2. Aurora ACD 4986
Da Lontano op. 32 (1970), 6′
NMO
Fantasy: Alto flute/ clarinet and piano
Recording :Varese Int. vs-850 19 and Aurora ACD 4986
Quintet for Winds op. 34 (1971), 18′
NMO
Recording: Naxos 8.553050
After a heavy, melancoly opening in which major and minor take turns leading the way, there is a bild up of tension with dramatic climaxes, which is not resolved until the finale with its bright major chords. The positive has triumphed, as the composer puts it.
V. Aamodt, Bergens Tidende 2.12. 1983
Duo Concertante op. 41 for two pianos (1974), 12′ 30”
NMO
Recording: Pro Musica PPC9027
Quartet for Flute,Violin, Viola and Cello op. 42 (1975-76), 25′
NMO
Commissioned by Bergens Chamber Music Society.
This is an important work of our time. It was given its first performance in Bergen in 1976. It is an extremely captivating work by a composer who has ties to traditional music at the same time as he is an innovator. He has taken the consequenses of the fact that there has to be coherence in culture. We do not begin anew with each generation. This conviction does not, however, prevent him from using his imagination, his knowledge and his abilities in a musical language that in many respects reflects our own time. His Flute Quartet is a convincing, magnetizing evidence of this.
Thoralf Nordheim, Aftenposten, 26.4.1979
Recording: Varese International vs-85019 and Aurora ACD4986
Miniatures, op. 43 (1965), 7′
A: For four violins or B: for string quartet
MU-HU
Two Norwegian Dances op. 44 (1976), 8′
String quartet, based on a Halling folk dance from Edvard Griegs music to Peer Gynt
NMO
Quintet for Hardanger Fiddle and String Quartet op. 50 (1978), 12′
Arrangement for flute, guitar and cello (by Roy H. Snyen)
Recording: Veps CD 32-95
Recording: EMI 830 1002
MU-HU
Octet op. 54 (1946, revised 1980), 15′
2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, doule bass ad lib.
Recording :Simax PSC 1037
NMO
Nocturne (The Dream) op. 56 (1980), 5′
Alto flute/ clarinet, piano
NMO
Night Music op. 57 (1981), 20′
Nonet for Eight Wind instruments and Double Bass
2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, double bass
NMO
Recording: SimaxPSC 1037
Overture-fantasy op. 59 (1982), 10′
Eight brass instruments: 3 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, tuba.
NMO
String quartet nr. 3 op. 60 (1983), 19′
NMO
Recording: Naxos 8.554384
Recording: Simax PSC1077
Legende (Legend) op. 61B (1983), 7′
For bassoon and piano.
NMO
Recording: Simax (Classical Quality of Norway) PSC 1077
Poem (From a lost World ) op. 66A/B (1985), 6′ 20”
NMO
A: For violin and piano.
B: For violin and string orchestra.
Horn Quartet op.73 (1988), 13′
NMO
Recording: Aurora ACD4962
Stemning (Mood) op.74 (1991), 3′ 30”
For harmonica and piano.
NMO
Duo for Flute and Guitar op.78 (1994), 14′
NMO
Recording: VEPS CD 32-95
Sonata for Viola and Piano op. 81 (1995), 16′ 15”
(The Elk Sonata)
Commissioned by Risør Chamber Music Festival
NMO
Recording: Nordic Sound NOS CD 1967
■ Works for solo instruments
Five small Piano Pieces op. 1(1940), 8′
NMO
Sonatina for piano op. 2 (1941), 11′
MU-HU
Rondo Grazioso for Piano op. 5 nr. 1 (1942), 5′
NMO
Recording: Vest-Norsk Plateselskap VNP 0086 -8
Three Norwegian Folk Tunes op. 5. nr. 2 (1948)
(Lokk fra Lom/Sjung amen!/ Då e` va liti )
(Shepherds call/ Sing amen/ When I was little)
arr. for piano
NMO
Toccata op. 5 Nr. 3 (1958), 4′
Organ/piano
NMO
Lyric Pieces for Piano op. 5 nr. 4-7 (1942 & 1946)
Intermezzo nr. 1/Intermezzo nr. 2/Capriccio/Scherzino
NMO
Fantasy for Piano op. 8 (1947), 6′
NMO
Recording: Vest-Norsk Plateselskap VNP0086-8
Choral Prelude on Ljoset yver landet dagna (The Light from above arrived on the land), (1956), 3′
organ
NMO
Glockenspiel Minuet (1968), 3′
From the television play Skipper Worse, arr. for piano or harp
NMO
Fantasies on Three Country Dances op. 31 (1969), 9′ 30”
(Tre Slåttefantasier)
Commissioned by Festspillene i Bergen
NMO
Recording: Vest-Norsk Plateselskap VNP 0086
Recording: RCAVictorCD/BMG Ariola 74321239912
Partita on the Folk Tune Hvor er det godt å lande op. 36 (1971), 12′
Organ
NMO
Meditation and Choral Prelude for Organ (1961), 7′
NMO
Sonata for Violin Solo op. 45 (For Ragin) (1976), 11′ 30”
Kvandal’s new work is an imaginative composition of a good 10 minutes duration, rich in
motives, but with a taut concentrated form. The music is contemplative, but a tragic
undercurrent breaks through now and then with a troll-like passion.
Dag Winding Sørensen. Aftenposten 27.9.1976
NMO
Recording Aurora ACD 4986
Elegi and Capriccio op. 47 (1977), 7′
Viola
NMO
Prelude (1977)
Organ
Printed in: Norsk Orgelbok.
MU-HU
Jew’s Harp Waltz (1980), 3′
Piano
Printed in Norwegian Pianorama
NMO
Recording Simax PSC 1042
Sonata for Solo Harp (The Heming Ballad) op. 63 (1984), 10′
NMO
Recording: Victoria VCD 19076
Sonata for Solo Guitar op. 65 (1984), 13′
NMO
Recording: Simax PSC1031
Recording: VEPS CD32-95
Recording: VEPS CD 012-89
Hymn Tune (Salmetone) op. 68 nr . 1 (1986), 3′ 15”
Horn solo
NMO
Norwegian Folktunes arranged for Piano op. 70, Nr. 1-8
NMO
Recording: Thema TH 195-2
Sonata for Solo Accordion op. 71 (1987), 9′ 20”
NMO
Recording :Bergen Digitalstudio BD7028
Stemning (Mood), 2′ 25”
Piano
(From an old Sketchbook)
NMO
Fantasy for Solo Clarinet op. 68 Nr. 2 (1992), 6`
NMO
Fantasia for Organ op. 83 (1996)
Norsk Orgelmusik
NMO
Recording: Vest-Norsk Plateselskap VNP CD 200567
Aarle i old
Bronze or straight wooden trumpet (bronzelur or neverlur)
N.MIC
Fra Fjerne Tider, 2′ 3”
Ram’s Horn (bukkehorn)
N.MIC
Improvisata from the Opera Mysteries op. 75 (1994), 3′ 30”
For violin solo
NMO
Valse from the Opera Mysteries op. 75 (1994), Act 2
For piano (or harp)
NMO
■ Choral works
Våkn op du som sover (Thou Who Sleepest Awake) op. 13 (1950)
Motet for mixed choir. Text: M.B. Landstad
NMO
Recording: Bergen Digitalstudio BD 7011CD
Drikkevise (Drinking Song) (1950)
Men’s choir. Text: H.Wergeland
Soprano solo, mixed choir, piano/ organ
NMO
Draumkvæde melodies op. 15 (1955)
Soprano solo and mixed choir, piano/ organ
NMO
Recording: Bergen Digitalstudio BD7011
Draumkvæde melodies op. 15A (1997)
Soprano and mixed choir
Flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, viola, cello, double bass.
N.MIC(MS)
Tre Sanger (Three songs) op.20 (1960)
3-part women’s choir (SSA)
1. Godmorgen (Good Morning ). Text: Henrik Wergeland
2. Sindets Ro (Piece of Mind ). Text: Ludvig Holberg
3. Stille (Quiet). Text: Einar Skjæraasen
MU-HU
Recording: Bergen Digitalstudio BD7011 CD
No. 3 only: Heilo HCD 7095
Pleiadene ved midnatt (The Pleiades at Midnight ) op. 25 (1965)
Men’s choir, speaking choir.
Text: Carsten Hauch
Tilegnet Den Norske Studentersangforening
Gehrmans Fôrlag, Stockholm.
For Trykkefriheten (For Freedom of the Press) (1966)
Mixed choir a capella
NMO
Recording: Bergen Digital Studio BD7011 CD
Efter Tidens Leilighet (1966)
Men’s choir a capella.
Text: Henrik Wergeland
(Also available for mixed choir)
MU-HU
Recording: Bergen Dig Studio BD7011 CD
Tre Motetter (Three Motets), Op. 35
Nr. 1: 1963
Nr. 2 & 3: 1971
Mixed Choir a capella.
1) Jeg er kommet som et lys til verden 2`10“
Text: Joh.12: 12, 35-36, 46,
2)Sannelig,sannelig sier jeg deg 3`02“
Text: Joh 3: 19-21
3) Og dette er dommen 3`40“
Recording: Bergen Digital Studio7011CD
O, Dyp av Rikdom hos Gud (Oh, the Depth of the Riches) op. 39 (1973)
Mixed Choir (SATB), organ.
Text: Romans: 11:33-36
Commissioned by Norsk Kirkesangerforbund
NMO
Recording: Bergen Digital Studio BD7011 CD
To Sanger (Two Songs) op.48 (1978), 5`2“
For mixed choir
Based on Norwegian folk tunes.
Nr. 1: Reiar unge. Text: G. T. Rysstad
Nr. 2: Finaste jenta. Text from Telemark
NMO
Recording: Bergen Digital Studio BD7011CD
Ibsen-kantate (Ibsen Cantata), op.51 (1978), 37`
Et menneskes Vei
Vocal Soloists (S. Bar) mixed choir, orchestra
2 (1)-2-2-2 4-3-3-1 timp perc harp cel str
Underet (The Miracle), op. 69 (1986), 14`
For mixed choir (SATB) a capella
Norwegian text: Arnold Eidslott. English text: Leland B. Sateren.
NMO
Recording: Bergen Digitalstudio BD 7011 CD
Balladen om Freden (Pries pour paix) op.72 (1987), 3′
For mixed choir a capella
French text: Charles d`Orleans. Norwegian text: Kristen Gundelach
NMO
Recording: Bergen Digital Studio BD 7011 CD
Missa Brevis op.84 (1997)
Mixed choir /organ
(Kyrie eleison)
NMO
Syv Sanger (Seven Songs ) op. 4 (1940- 41)
Voice, piano.
Baritone, Mezzo, Soprano
MU-HU
Tre Julesalmer (Three Christmas Hymns) (1946)
1: Til hyrder fromme
2: Den yndigste rose
3: De hyrder stirrer i natten ut
Voice, piano/organ
NMO
Barneviser (Nursery Rhymes) (1946-47)
Voice, piano
N.MIC. (MS)
Sanger (Songs) op.9
Nos.1-10 (1939-83)
Published in 14 sanger for sang og piano
Voice and piano
NMO
To Frôdingsanger (Two Frôding Songs) op. 9
Nr. 11-12 (1948)
High voice and piano
Text: Gustav Frôding high voice.
NMO
Sang til Stella (Song for Stella) op. 6 (1951), 7`
Text: Henrik Wergeland
Soprano or tenor and string orchestra
Also arranged for voice and piano
MU-HU
Solo Cantata nr. 1 op. 10 (1953), 8`
Herre, min frelses Gud (God of my Salvation)
High voice and orchestra.
3(1)-2-2-2 4-2-0-0 timp perc str
NMO
Solo Cantata nr. 2, op. 26 (1966), 11`
Til Dig Herre (To thee, O Lord)
Text: I: Psalm 31, verse 2-4, II: Psalm 40, verse 2-4, III: Psalm 8, verse 2, 4-6 and 10
High voice, organ/ piano
NMO
Solo Cantata nr. 3, op. 33 (1970), 6`
Skapningen Lenges (The Expectation of the Creature)
Low voice and Organ
Text: Romans 8:19-22 ,10-11, 18
NMO
Syv religiøse folketoner (Seven Religious Folk Songs) op. 23A (1955)
Voice, piano
NMO
Benedicam Dominum op. 17 (1957), 5`
Church aria for soprano and organ
Text: Psalms 34: 2-3
NMO
Kristus, du er alt mitt håp (Christ, you are my only hope) (1965)
Voice and organ.
Text: Svein Ellingsen
NMO
Allmakts Gud (Almighty God) (1965)
Voice, organ
Text: Johannes Smemo
N.MIC(MS)
To Aasensalmer (Two Aasen Hymns) (1965), 3`55“
Text: Ivar Aasen
NMO
Two Religious Songs with Piano/ Organ
Morgensang/ Kveldssalme
Text: Ivar Aasen
O, Domine Deus, op. 26 nr. 2 (1966), 4`
Church Aria: Soprano/Organ
Text: Maria Stuart (1542-87)
Recording: Philips 854 000 AY
NMO
Jeg er kommet som et lys til verden (I Have Come as a Light into the World) (1963)
Motet for Soprano and Organ (also for mixed choir op. 35)
Text: John: 12: 46, 35, 36 .
Recording: Kirkelig Kulturverksted NKLP 15
Bergen Digital studio BD7011 CD
NMO
Natur (Nature) op. 37 (1972), 8`
Text: Olav Aukrust
Commissioned by Rikskonsertene
Norske Stevtoner (Norwegian Stev Tunes) op. 40, 23`30“ (1974)
Voice and piano
Recordings: AuroraARCD1915, Aurora ACD4986 and Vest-Norsk Plateselskap VNP 0086-8
MU-HU
Michelangelo Poem op. 49 (1978), 12`30“
Soprano and orchestra 1-2-0-2 2-0-0-0 str
(also available for soprano and piano)
Text in Italian: Michelangelo
MU-HU
To Kjærlighetssanger (Two Love Songs) op. 58 (1982), 8`
Voice and piano
Text: Arnulf Øverland
NMO
Fire Krokannsanger (Four Krokann songs) op. 76 (1993), 9`50`
Low voice and piano
1: Luren Læt
2: Det gode ord
3: Reinen
4: Blåsymra
N.MIC(MS)
Eternal Summer (Evig sommer) op. 80 (1995)
Three Shakespeare texts for Soprano and string orchestra
1: Eternal Summer, Sonet Nr. 18, 5 `
2: Ophelia’s Lament (from act 3 scene 1, Hamlet), 5`
3: The Fairy’s Song (from a Mid Summer’s Night’s Dream act 2, scene 1), 2`35“
Commissioned by Trondheim Symphony Orchestra for the Kirsten Flagstad Jubilee 1995.
Both voice/piano and voice/orchestra score and parts.
N-MIC
■ Opera
Mysterier (Mysteries ) op.75 (1993), 170`
An opera in three acts, based on the novel by Knut Hamsun
9 soloists, chorus and full orchestra, including synthesizer
Libretto: Barthold Halle (Norwegian. German translation available)
Commissioned by The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet
Score available from The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet
DNO
■ Vocal works with orchestra (See Vocal Works)
Sang til Stella (Song for Stella) op. 6 (1951)
Soprano or tenor/ String orchestra
Solo Cantata nr. 1 op. 10 (1953)
High voice and orchestra
Michelangelo Poem op. 49 (1978)
High voice and orchestra
Ibsen Cantata op. 51 (1978)
Soprano, baritone, choir, orchestra (See choral works)
Three Shakespeare Songs for Soprano and String Orchestra op. 80
(See Vocal Works)
Skjemtevise og gjeterlokk op. 64 (1984), 4′
For school orchestra (descant recorder, clarinet, violin 1 and 2, double bass, piano, celesta and percussion)
N.MIC
TELEVISION
Music to the television play Skipper Worse based on the novel
of the same name by Alexander Kielland
See Skipper Worse suite op. 28B, Orchestral Works.
Norsk Musikforlag
NMO
Publishers’ codes: See Publishers in the menu