Knut Nystedt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Knut Nystedt
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Nystedt in 2007
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| Born | 3 September 1915 Kristiania, Norway
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| Died | 8 December 2014 (aged 99) Oslo, Norway
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Knut Nystedt (born September 3, 1915 – died December 8, 2014) was a famous Norwegian composer. He wrote music for orchestras and choirs. He was also a talented organ player.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Roots
Knut Nystedt was born in Kristiania, which is now called Oslo, in Norway. He grew up in a Christian family. Hymns and classical music were a big part of his daily life. Many of his major pieces for choirs and singers used texts from the Bible. Old church music, like the works of Palestrina and Gregorian chants, greatly influenced his style.
A Busy Musical Career
Nystedt studied music with famous teachers, including Aaron Copland. He worked as an organist at the Torshov Church in Oslo from 1946 to 1982. He also taught students how to lead choirs at the University of Oslo from 1964 to 1985.
Leading Choirs
Knut Nystedt started and led two important choirs. He founded the Norwegian Soloists' Choir in 1950 and led it until 1990. He also started the Schola Cantorum in 1964, leading it until 1985.
In 2005, a choir called Ensemble 96 released a CD titled "Immortal Nystedt." This CD was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 2007. It was the first time a Norwegian CD or a Norwegian composer received a Grammy nomination. To celebrate his 90th birthday in 2005, many concerts were held around the world in his honor.
Notable Compositions
Some of Nystedt's important works include:
- Apocalypsis Joannis: A symphony for solo singers, choir, and orchestra.
- Ode til mennesket: This piece used texts from ancient Greek thinkers like Sophocles and Plato.
- The Word Became Flesh: A work commissioned by the Augsburg College Choir.
- Reach Out For Peace: A piece for a soprano singer, choir, and orchestra.
Awards and Recognition
Knut Nystedt received many awards for his contributions to music.
- In 1966, the King of Norway made him a Knight of the Order of St. Olav.
- In 2002, the King promoted him to Commander of St. Olav.
- He won the Spellemann Award in 1978 for his album Contemporary Music From Norway.
- He received the music prize from the Arts Council Norway in 1980.
- His work De Profundis won the Work of the Year award from the Norwegian Society of Composers in 1965.
- In 1991, he was given an honorary professorship by Mendoza University in Argentina.
- He received the Choir Prize of the Year in 2002.
- The City of Oslo gave him the Artists' Prize in 2005.
Most of his music was published by Norsk Musikkforlag. His compositions can also be found on many CDs in Norway and other countries.
Later Life and Passing
Knut Nystedt passed away peacefully in his sleep in Oslo on December 8, 2014. He was 99 years old.
Selected Works
Knut Nystedt composed many different types of music. Here are a few examples:
Choral Works
- Landstad-kantate, op. 27: A cantata for singers and organ.
- A hymn of human rights, op. 95: For mixed choir, organ, and percussion.
- Missa brevis, op. 102: For mixed choir without instruments.
- Immortal Bach, 1988: A well-known piece.
- Prayers of Kierkegaard, op. 157: For mixed choir.
Concertos
- Concerto Arctandriae, op. 128: For string instruments.
- Concerto for Horn and Orchestra, op. 114.
- Concerto Sacro, op. 137: For violin and organ.
Orchestra Works
- Festival Overture, op. 25.
Organ Solo Works
- Exultate, op. 74.
- Toccata, op. 9.
- Amazing Grace.
See also
In Spanish: Knut Nystedt para niños
