The Nordic Sound with Jameson Foster

Welcome to the very first Back at the Ranch episode! Today we will get to know Palestrina, a man whose name is almost as beautiful as his music, who also holds an important place in music history. Twitter @AmericanSkald, Patreon.com/theamericanskald

Today we meet Sweden's first significant composers, and learn a little bit about the baroque era along the way. Patreon.com/theamericanskald

It's good to be back! Join me on our first episode as we dive into the wonderful history of Sweden and its music. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, follow me on twitter @americanskald, or even join the patreon over at patreon.com/theamericanskald for a wealth of bonus content. Visit my website theamericanskald.com to learn more and join the mailing list! Skål!

The final installment of the Nordic Sound: Norway series brings us to Harald Saeverud, a man deeply affected by the Nazi occupation of Norway. With symphonies like his it's no wonder the Norwegian heavy metal scene came into being during his life time.

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Fartein Valen was one of the most unique composers of Norwegian music history, but he didn't seem to mind one bit.

Someone had to rebuild once the Nazis were kicked out of Norway, and Klaus Egge seemed to be the right man for the job.

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A legacy consumed by fire and controversy. Does the music of this native son of the Hardangerfjord have a chance for revival? I think so.

Some minor corrections to this episode:
-Bauldr's Dream was performed live, just not in entirety!
-The bit on countryside vs. urban living is apparently romanticized! Not being a Norwegian myself, I must learn from books, and this is an example of books over-exaggerating to tell a good story.
-His name change was less about Danish vs. Norwegian and more about Romantic vs Germanic language. Nils is a derivative of Nikolaus (Greek) and he wanted to distance himself from non-Germanic culture.
-Update: He apparently finished out his life as a well-known songwriter for pop music. Happy ending!

Eivind Groven had his own opinions of Norwegian 20th century music. Though, as a hardanger fiddler he may have been a bit biased.

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'Look to Europe!' was Pauline Hall's rallying cry for Norwegian modernism. But, was everyone on board?

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