Oscar Borg facts for kids

Oscar Borg was a Norwegian composer and conductor. He lived from 1851 to 1930. He is especially known for writing many exciting marches for wind bands.

Early Life and Education

Oscar Borg was born in Halden, Norway, on June 11, 1851. His full name was Alfred Oscar Johannessen Borg. The family name, Borg, came from a farm in Solør.

His father, Ole Peter Johannesen, was a music sergeant. He played in the 1st Brigades Band at Fredriksten Fortress in Halden. This likely inspired young Oscar's love for music.

Oscar Borg went to the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. He started there in 1869. The Crown Prince of Sweden, who later became King Oscar II of Sweden, helped him financially.

In 1872, Oscar finished his studies with excellent grades. He passed the music director exam. After his studies, he returned to his old band in Halden.

Music Career and Compositions

Oscar Borg gave his first concert in Halden in October 1872. He played the flute and violin. In 1881, he became the director of the 1st Brigades Band. He led this band in Halden until he retired in 1918.

Borg's music is known for its beautiful melodies. It also has pleasant harmonies and clever ways of using instruments. He wrote a lot of music during his life.

He composed 60 marches for military bands. He also wrote 275 songs. Plus, he made about 170 musical arrangements.

Some of his most famous marches include:

• Kong Haakon VIIs Honnørmarsj (1905)
• Kronprins Olavs Honnørmarsj
• Den Norske Løve (1894)
• Norsk Turnermarsj (1886)

Awards and Recognition

Oscar Borg received several important awards for his work. He was given the King's Medal of Merit in gold. He was also made a Knight 1st Class of the Order of Vasa.

He also received the King Oscar II Medal in gold. Another award he earned was the Kaiser Wilhelms Krieg Verdienstmedalje. These awards show how much his music was valued.

Personal Life

Oscar Borg was married twice. He had 12 children. Three of his children sadly passed away when they were young.

Several of his children became artists themselves. His son Helge Borg (1894–1965) composed dance music. Another son, Dag Borg (1893–1966), became an architect and artist. His daughter Ellen (Ragnhild) Borg was a singer.