Geirr Tveitt

Geirr Tveitt was one of Norway's most prominent music creators of his generation and known for his enormous talent, imaginative musical style, and deep roots in Norwegian culture. He was a contentious and stubborn personality, like Beethoven, Munch, and Picasso. Some thought him odd, but he was also a generous and humorous person who was dedicated to conveying his music. Tveitt made his debut as a composer during his years of study in Leipzig, where his piano concerto was met with great enthusiasm. In 1938, he had his breakthrough with the orchestral version of the Norse-inspired ballet music "Baldurs draumar," (Baldurs Dreams) which was characterized as the music event of the year in Oslo. Tveitt's work collecting folk tunes before and during the occupation of Norway led to his most famous works, "Femti folketoner frao Hardanger" (Fifty folk tunes from Hardanger) for piano and "Hundrad hardingtonar" (One hundred Hardingtons) for symphony orchestra. These works show his inspiration from Bartok and Ravel in a distinct folk-inspired, impressionistic tone language rooted in Norway. Tveitt was also a skilled piano virtuoso and conductor and toured extensively in Southern Europe and North Africa, and his music was well-received in Paris as well. Tveitt's vast production ranges from opera, symphonies, and solo concerts to simple songs. Several of his song melodies, such as "Vi skal ikkje sova bort sumarnatta," (We will not sleep away the summer night) are now part of the Norwegian basic repertoire. Tveitt's music is known for its catchy and melodious character and is suitable for use in large ceremonies and as film music. His work has had a significant impact on Norwegian music history and has led to him being recognized in large parts of the world as one of Norway's most distinguished classical music creators, with a unique ability to capture landscapes and culture, convey feelings and atmospheres to the visual in his music repertoire. Tveitt's music has made him an important part of Norwegian cultural heritage.