Knut Nystedt is an orchestral and choral composer, born September 3, 1915, in Kristiania which is now Oslo, Norway. He grew up in a Christian home where hymns and classical music were a vital part of everyday life. His major compositions for choir and vocal soloists are mainly based on texts from the Bible or themes that are considered sacred. Old church music, especially Palestrina and Gregorian chants, have had a major influence on his compositions. He has studied with Aaron Copland, and many others. Nystedt was organist in the Torshov Church in Oslo from 1946 to 1982 and taught conducting at the University of Oslo from 1964 to 1985. Nystedt founded and conducted a Norwegian choir from 1950 to 1990. He also founded and conducted another Norwegian choir from 1964 to 1985. The choir “Ensemble 96” published ”Immortal Nystedt” in 2005. This CD has been nominated in two categories in the Grammy Awards of 2007. This was the first Norwegian CD nominated in two categories. Also the first CD with a Norwegian composer nominated to Grammy. In 2005 he was honored by several concerts around the world, celebrating his 90th birthday.
Pavel Tchesnokoff was born October 24, 1877 in Vladimir, Russia, near Moscow. While attending the Moscow Conservatory, he received extensive training in both instrumental and vocal music including nine years of solfege, and seven years training for both the piano and violin. His studies in composition included four years of harmony, counterpoint, and form. During his years at the school, he had the opportunity to study with prominent Russian composers like Sergei Taneyev and Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov, who greatly influence his style of liturgy-driven, choral composition.
At an early age, Chesnokov gained recognition as a great conductor and choirmaster while leading many groups including the Russian Choral Society Choir. This reputation earned him a position on staff at the Moscow Conservatory where great composers and music scholars like...