Knut Nystedt was a Norwegian orchestral and choral composer.
Early life
Nystedt was born in Kristiania, 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.
Career
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, commissioned by the Oslo Philharmonic; Ode til mennesket, op. 159, featuring texts by Sophocles, Hippocrates and Plato; The Word Became Flesh, op. 162, commissioned by the Augsburg College Choir; and Reach Out For Peace for soprano, choir and orchestra, op. 164 A, 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 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.
Death
Nystedt died in his sleep in Oslo on 8 December 2014 at the age of 99.
Works
Choral works
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
Harald Herresthal, Knut Nystedt Suite D'Orgue Op. 84
Gunnar Sønstevold, Katja Medbøe, The Norwegian Soloist's Choir, Sætre Girl's Choir, The Norwegian Wind Quintet, Sandvika Big Band, Bærum Symphony Orchestra, Knut Nystedt – Litani I Atlanta
The Norwegian Soloists' Choir, A Hymn Of Human Rights
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Knut Nystedt – The Burnt Sacrifice Op. 36 - O. Crux Op. 79 - Shells Op. 70 A - Sinfonia Del Mare Op. 97 - De Profundis Op. 54 - Resurrexit Op. 68 - Suoni Op. 62
Oslo Philharmonic, The Norwegian Soloists' Choir, Knut Nystedt – Lucis Creator Optime, Opus 58 / Pia Memoria, Opus 65 / Rhapsody In Green, Opus 82 / 19. Motets
Minsk Chamber Orchestra, Knut Nystedt Symphony For Strings, Opus 26 / Concertino For Clarinet, English Horn And Strings, Opus 29 / Concerto Grosso For Three Trumpets And Strings Opus 17
