Celebrating the Magic of Christmas with Gustaf Nordqvist's Music
Experience the magic of the Christmas season with spectacular pieces from renowned composer, Gustaf Nordqvist, on STAGE+. The music of this extraordinary artist will surely bring warmth and enchantment to your Yuletide celebrations.
Gustaf Nordqvist: Overview and Significance
Gustaf Nordqvist (1886–1949) was a prominent Swedish composer, organist, and music educator, celebrated for his contributions to sacred and choral music. Born and died in Stockholm, Nordqvist studied at the Royal College of Music, Stockholm, focusing on organ, piano, and composition. His advanced compositional studies took him to Berlin, where he was taught by Arthur Willner.
Career Highlights
Nordqvist served as organist at Adolf Fredrik Church in Stockholm from 1914 until his death, shaping church music in the city for over three decades. He joined the faculty at the Royal College of Music, Stockholm, teaching harmony from 1924.
Notable Works
Nordqvist’s output encompasses a range of choral, solo vocal, and organ music, but he is most widely remembered for two works in particular: “Jul, jul, strålande jul” and “Till havs”. This iconic Swedish Christmas carol is his most famous piece, a staple of Scandinavian seasonal repertoires and often performed by choirs worldwide. In his later years, Nordqvist’s compositions shifted more towards sacred music, reflecting his deepening connection with church life and religious traditions.
Legacy and Influence
Nordqvist was inducted into the Royal Swedish Academy of Music in 1932, underlining his influence in Swedish musical life. His works, especially “Jul, jul, strålande jul,” remain integral to Christmas concerts, including renowned performances by choirs such as The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge and prominent soloists in Scandinavia and beyond.
In other news, the brilliant Lise Davidsen brings the spirit of Christmas from Norway to the world, showcasing her unique talent in a headline performance. This esteemed vocalist's rendition of Nordqvist's works is set to become an instant classic.
Don't miss the joyous event of Yulefest! - Christmas Music & Carols from Trinity College Cambridge. The world-famous Choir of Trinity College, under the direction of Stephen Layton, offers a blend of traditional and modern Yuletide songs that will speak to the heart of the Christmas season.
Catch all these extraordinary musical performances at the Folketeateret, Oslo. Lose yourself in the meticulously arranged scores, pulling you into the heart of wintertime in Scandinavia. This magical symphony of sounds would make a perfect prelude to the holiday season.