Music of Norway

Music Of Norway

Norway is a rather sparse country in Europe (population 5 million), but even so its music and its musical life are as complicated as in most countries. Much has been learned about early music in Norway from physical artifacts found during archaeological digs. This includes instruments such as Lurs. Viking and medieval sagas also describe musical activity, as do priests and pilgrims coming from all over Europe to St. Olaf's grave in Trondheim. In 1380, Norway had come under Danish rule, and by literates and artists, like the violinist Ole Bull. In the latter part of the 19th century Norway had an economic growth leading to more industrialization and urbanization. More music was established in the cities, and opera performances and symphony concerts were considered to be of high standards. In this era both prominent composers (like Edvard Grieg and Johan Svendsen) and performers combined the European traditions with Norwegian tones. The import of music and musicians for dance and entertainment increased, and this continued in the 20th century, even more so when gramophone records and radio became common. In the last half of the 20th century, Norway, like many other countries in the world, underwent a roots revival that saw indigenous music being revived.