Øistein Sommerfeldt

Øistein Sommerfeldt was a renowned Norwegian composer, pianist, and music critic, born on November 25, 1919, in Christiania (now Oslo). He is celebrated for his deep connection to Norwegian folk music, incorporating elements of religious songs into his compositions. Sommerfeldt studied with influential figures such as Fartein Valen in Oslo and, more significantly, Nadia Boulanger in Paris from 1950 to 1956. This tutelage greatly shaped his compositional style, which often blended traditional Norwegian elements with contemporary musical currents.

Sommerfeldt's oeuvre includes a wide range of works, including orchestral suites like *Miniature Suite* and *Sinfonia "La Betulla"*, as well as chamber music pieces like *Divertimento* and piano sonatinas. He remained active in Oslo's musical scene, not only as a composer but also as a journalist and music researcher. Sommerfeldt passed away on January 7, 1994, leaving behind a legacy of compositions that continue to resonate within the Norwegian musical landscape.

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