Fanfare and Choral: A Masterpiece by Egil Hovland

Introduction to the Composition

Norway | 1966 | Wind Band | Grade 5 | 7'30" | Overture

Premiered by St. Olaf Band in Bergen, Norway

Purchase at Notebutikken

Fanfare and Choral, composed by Norwegian composer and organist Egil Hovland, is our Composition of the Week. This piece is grand in style and conception. It was commissioned by the St. Olaf Band, USA, in 1966 and premiered at the Bergen International Festival that same year.

Composition Details

Hovland also created a version for symphony orchestra, designated as opus number 54b. Fanfare and Choral is scored for a standard wind band, including timpani and six percussion parts. The duration of the piece is approximately 7 minutes and 30 seconds. Notably, Fanfare and Choral was performed at the 11th WASBE International Conference in Jönköping, Sweden, by the Nanset Wind Orchestra.

About Egil Hovland

Egil Hovland was a prominent Norwegian composer and organist. He is widely recognized for his significant contributions to both church and classical music. Hovland displayed remarkable musical talent from an early age. He studied at the Oslo Conservatory of Music under Arild Sandvold and Bjarne Brustad. Later, he continued his education at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen with Vagn Holmboe. His further studies took him to Tanglewood with Aaron Copland and to Florence with Luigi Dallapiccola.

Influenced by composers such as Olivier Messiaen and Jean Sibelius, Hovland developed a distinctive and evolving style. His work is characterized by rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and innovative use of choral textures. Throughout his prolific career, Hovland composed more than 400 works across diverse genres. These include symphonies, chamber music, organ works, and numerous choral and sacred compositions. The latter were celebrated for their emotional depth and spiritual resonance.

Hovland's Career and Contributions

Hovland served as organist and choir director at Glemmen Church in Fredrikstad from 1949 until his death. He established himself as one of Norway’s most influential church musicians. Additionally, he worked as a conductor and lecturer, generously sharing his knowledge and passion for music with students and fellow musicians.

Stylistically, Hovland wrote in an impressive variety of idioms. These included Norwegian-Romantic, Gregorian, neo-classical, twelve-tone, aleatoric, and serial techniques. His openness to experimentation and ability to merge modern innovation with deep spiritual expression made him one of the most prolific and respected contemporary Norwegian composers of his time.

Recognition and Legacy

Hovland's achievements were widely recognized. In 1983, he was knighted into the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav for his services to music. In 1992, he received the Fritt Ord Honorary Award. In 2005, he was further honored with the St. Olav’s Order.

Egil Hovland’s legacy continues to inspire and enrich both Norwegian and international music. His work leaves an indelible mark on generations of composers, musicians, and audiences worldwide.

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Other Works for Winds

Egil Hovland composed several other notable works for wind ensembles, including:

• Festoverture N°1 (1951)

• Festoverture N°2 (1962)

• Gloria Op.40 (1962) for mixed choir and brass

• Uppsandelsemässa Op.60 (1968), for mixed choir, two organs, and brass

• Kyrkans eviga lovsang Op.82 (1974), for three mixed choirs, organ, and brass

  
  

These compositions further showcase Hovland's versatility and depth as a composer. His ability to blend various musical styles and techniques has left a lasting impact on the wind band repertoire.

In conclusion, Fanfare and Choral stands as a testament to Egil Hovland's genius. It is a piece that not only highlights his compositional skill but also serves as a significant contribution to the wind band literature. As we continue to explore and perform works like this, we honor Hovland's legacy and the rich tradition of wind music.