Borup-Josgensen: Sommasvit / Nordisk Sommerpastorale

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Axel Borup-Jørgensen's "Borup-Josgensen: Sommasvit / Nordisk Sommerpastorale," a 1995 release that showcases the Danish composer's unique musical vision. This album is a journey through the seasons and landscapes of Scandinavia, with each piece painting a vivid sonic picture.

The centerpiece of the album is the "Sommasvit for String Orchestra, Op. 24," a five-movement suite that evokes the passage of a day from morning to night. The movements, titled "Morgon: Svalon," "Middag: Boljeskvalp vid Aspanas udde," "Afton: Bjalnas," "Natt: Hoststorm pa Storsjon," and "Epilog," each tell a story of nature's beauty and power.

Complementing the "Sommasvit" is the "Nordisk Sommerpastorale, Op. 51," a pastoral piece that captures the essence of a Scandinavian summer. The album also includes "Musica Autumnalis for Wind Ensemble, percussion and electric organ, Op. 80," a piece that brings the autumn season to life with its rich, warm tones.

"Marin, Op. 60," rounds out the album, offering a maritime journey through Borup-Jørgensen's distinctive soundscapes. The Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Leif Segerstam, brings these pieces to life with a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply expressive.

With a duration of just over an hour, this album is a perfect introduction to the music of Axel Borup-Jørgensen. Whether you're a seasoned classical music fan or a newcomer to the genre, "Borup-Josgensen: Sommasvit / Nordisk Sommerpastorale" is sure to captivate and inspire.

November 21, 1995

1995 Dacapo

About Axel Borup-Jørgensen

Axel Borup-Jørgensen (1924-2012) was a Danish composer whose life and work were marked by a deep connection to nature and a unique musical voice. Born in Hjørring, Denmark, Borup-Jørgensen spent his formative years in Sweden, where his family moved when he was just two years old. This dual cultural upbringing significantly influenced his compositional style, which is characterized by its intense nature mysticism and distinctive modernist approach.

Borup-Jørgensen studied piano at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen and further honed his skills in instrumentation with notable figures like Poul Schierbeck and Jørgen Jersild. Despite his formal training, he considered himself largely self-taught as a composer, developing a personal style that often explored new sound possibilities and innovative ways of playing instruments.

His works are known for their vivid imagery, evoking everything from the skeletal outlines of barren trees to the tumultuous energy of a storm at sea. Borup-Jørgensen's meticulous approach to composition and his collaboration with instrumentalists who could bring his vision to life made his music both distinctive and deeply evocative.

Throughout his career, Borup-Jørgensen maintained a quiet yet prolific presence in the musical world, continuing to refine his craft until his passing in 2012. His legacy includes a rich body of work that spans various genres and forms, each piece a testament to his unique artistic vision and his enduring love for the natural world.