Norwegian violinist Henning Kraggerud plays Vivaldi's Four Seasons at the Whyte Recital Hall, RIAM, Dublin on 10 April, University Concert Hall, Limerick on 11 April, and St Patrick's Cathedral, Newport, Mayo on 12 April. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
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The shows are presented by the Irish Chamber Orchestra, and in addition to Vivaldi’s most famous composition, Henning will perform three of his own compositions, interspersing them between the seasons.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My house is the noisiest on the street, with all of us, my wife and three children, being musicians. Every day starts at 7:00am with a cascade of pre-school sound.
I’m proudly 1/32 Irish, and I cherish my heritage deeply.
I own a unique six-stringed instrument, the Viola Concorda, which was custom-built for me to improvise on. I had the honour of using it on the Last Spring CD with Bugge Wesseltoft.
How would you describe your music?
I compose romantic and passionate music, with a deep focus on how pain can be transformed into something beautiful or meaningful. My aim is to explore the redemptive qualities of music, finding grace and depth in even the darkest emotions.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Schubert, Chopin, Smetana, Dvorak, Janacek, Sibelius, and Shostakovich are among the composers who inspire me most. Their works are a constant source of creative and emotional influence.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first performance I recall was playing my own composition for violin and string orchestra at the age of 10. It was a pivotal moment for me.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The first record I purchased with my own money was a recording of Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas, performed by Emil Gilels. It had a profound impact on me; one single instrument expressing all shades of life.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Currently, I’m captivated by Schubert’s Erlkönig, especially the rendition by Bryn Terfel. It’s a hauntingly powerful performance.
Favourite lyric of all time?
J.R.R. Tolkien’s words resonate with me in his poem, I Sit By The Fire And Think." Without any bitterness, Tolkien expresses life’s inherent sorrow in the text itself, though no melody has yet done it justice for me.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Margit Hjukse, a Norwegian medieval ballad, holds a special place in my heart. It’s a song I used for bedtime for my children, and it ignited their passion for music - especially for one of them
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can listen to my compositions and recordings on Spotify. I also share videos of my children and our music on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. For more about my work, including articles on improvisation, visit my website.
Alan Corr
