Knut Nystedt

Knut Nystedt studied at Oslo Conservatory of Music. The recorded working language is Norwegian. Employment is recorded with University of Oslo. Distinctions recorded are Spellemann Award for classical record of the year, Knight First Class of the Order of St.

Nystedt was born in Kristiania (now Oslo), Norway, and grew up in a Christian home where hymns and classical music were an important part of everyday life. His major compositions for choir and vocal soloists are mainly based on texts from the Bible or sacred themes. Old church music, especially Palestrina and Gregorian chants, have had a major influence on his compositions.

Nystedt studied with Aaron Copland among others. He was the organist in the Torshov Church in Oslo from 1946 to 1982 and taught choir conducting at the University of Oslo from 1964 to 1985. Nystedt founded and conducted the Norwegian Soloists' Choir from 1950 to 1990. He also founded and conducted the Schola Cantorum from 1964 to 1985. The choir Ensemble 96 published "Immortal Nystedt" in 2005. This CD was nominated in two categories in the 2007 Grammy Awards and was the first Norwegian CD so nominated. It was also the first CD with a Norwegian composer nominated for a Grammy. On the occasion of his 90th birthday in 2005, there were several concerts around the world held in his honour. Key Nystedt works include the symphony Apocalypsis Joannis for soloists, choir and orchestra, op. 155 (1998), commissioned by the Oslo Philharmonic; Ode til mennesket, op. 159 (2000), featuring texts by Sophocles, Hippocrates and Plato; The Word Became Flesh, op. 162 (2001), commissioned by the Augsburg College Choir; and Reach Out For Peace for soprano, choir and orchestra, op. 164 A (2001), commissioned by the Ceciliaforeningen. In 1966, the King of Norway made Nystedt a Knight of the Order of St. Olav in recognition of his contributions to Norwegian music, and in 2002 the King made him a Commander of St. Olav. He received the Spellemann Award in 1978 for his album Contemporary Music From Norway and received the music prize of the Arts Council Norway in 1980. In 1965, De Profundis was bestowed with the Work of the Year award of the Norwegian Society of Composers. Nystedt was awarded an honorary professorship ('Professor Honorario') by Mendoza University Argentina in 1991. In 2002 he received the Choir Prize of the Year from the Norwegian Choir Association and in 2005 the Artists' Prize by the City of Oslo. Most of his compositions were published by Norsk Musikkforlag. His compositions also appear on several CDs in Norway and several other countries.

Nystedt died in his sleep in Oslo on 8 December 2014 at the age of 99.

Source:

Landstad-kantate, op. 27, cantata for mezzo-soprano, baritone, SATB choir and organ A hymn of human rights, op. 95, for mixed choir, organ and percussion Missa brevis, op. 102 for mixed choir a cappella Adoro te, op. 107, for mixed choir (SSAATTBB) a cappella Immortal Bach, 1988 A song as in the night, op. 149, for soloists, choir, flute, strings and percussion Apocalypsis Joannis, op. 155, symphony for soloists, choir and orchestra All the Ways of a Man for mixed choir (SATB) a cappella Astri, mi Astri, Norwegian folk songs for mixed choir Christmas Carols, for mixed choir and watches Cry Out and Shout, for mixed choir SSATTB (Festival) a cappella But the Path of the Just for mixed choir "O Crux" for choir a cappella (SSSAATTBB) ”Praise to God” for choir a cappella Prayers of Kierkegaard, op. 157, for mixed choir (SATB) a cappella (1999)

Concerto Arctandriae, op. 128 for strings Concerto for Horn and Orchestra, op. 114 Concerto Grosso, op. 17b for three trumpets and organ/piano Concerto Sacro, op. 137 for violin and organ

Festival Overture, op. 25

Exultate, op. 74 Le verbe eternel, op. 133 Prélude Héroïque, op. 123 Resurrexit, op.68 Suite d'orgue, op. 84 Toccata, op. 9 Tu es Petrus Two Organ Pieces (from Apocalypsis Joannis, op. 155) Amazing Grace Beati Variasjoner over folketonen "Med Jesus vil eg fara", op. 4 Veni Creator Spiritus Partita, op. 75