Bull, O: Et Sæterbesøk (A Mountain Vision)

There was a particularly rich vein of Nordic writing for the violin between the years 1910 and 1930. In this recital Henning Kraggerud, an exemplary stylist lauded for his Sibelius and Sinding concerto disc, Naxos 8557266 (CD) and 6110056 (SACD) (‘Kraggerud’s performance is superb throughout’ – Classics Today.com), explores this memorable repertoire. It ranges from Halvorsen’s folk-flecked Norwegian Dance to Stenhammar’s passionate Sentimental Romances. Late romanticism floods Sinding’s Abendstimmung whilst Sibelius’s Six Humoresques remain a masterpiece of the genre. The earlier works of Ole Bull illustrate the brilliance and panache of ‘The Nordic Paganini’.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the legendary Norwegian violinist/composer Ole Bull. The resurgence of interest in his music is in no small way down to the championing of his work by his compatriot, the internationally renowned soloist Arve Tellefsen. On this special re-issue Tellefsen is joined by the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and conductor Eivind Aadland as well as the notable pianist Håvard Gimse in performances of many of Bull’s finest pieces for violin. The disc also features two pieces by Norway’s greatest composer, Edvard Grieg.

Throughout his long career, Arve Tellefsen has been an ardent advocate of bringing the musical legacy of the great 19th century Norwegian violinist/composer Ole Bull to a worldwide audience. On this anniversary reissue we hear him perform some of Bull’s bestknown music for the instrument, including works for violin and orchestra, as well as with smaller instrumental groups, and several pieces for violin and piano. This year the International Festival in Bergen includes a night devoted to Ole Bull’s music, with Arve Tellefsen the main featured artist.

As a special addition, the CD also features two works by Edvard Grieg, which he and Ole Bull performed during their only known appearance together in 1873. These two pieces, Gavotte and Menuet, later became the Ved Mannjævningen and the 2nd movement of the F major violin sonata.