SVENSEN: Romance, for violin and harmonium

Johan Svensen (1840-1911) was a Norwegian composer, a well-traveled conductor, and violinist, who spent most of his career in Copenhagen. Famous for his skill of orchestration, Svendsen composed primarily for orchestras and large ensembles. He was very popular in Denmark and Norway during his lifetime, both as a composer and a conductor, winning many national awards and honors. His most famous work is this gorgeous Romance, composed for violin and orchestra in 1881. This arrangement for violin and harmonium was made by Richard Lange, who transcribed many well-known compositions for harmonium. Violinist Maki Ishii Sowash plays her Riccardo Bergonzi violin, made in Cremona, Italy in 1990, based on the "Hellier" violin by Stradivari. Michael Hendron plays his Mason & Hamlin chapel organ, made in Boston in 1915. Recorded in concert 10 March 2024, in the Mission Dolores Basilica, San Francisco, California.