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KJELL HABBESTAD

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Kjell Habbestad (b. 1955, Bremnes on Bømlo) is a professor emeritus of music theory and composition at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, Norway. He was trained in church music and composition (1975–81) at the same institution. His catalogue of works, which today numbers 120 opuses, includes dramatic works (operas, oratorios), orchestral works, solo concertos, chamber works for various ensembles, vocal works, works for organ and piano, and a great number of choral works and motets.

Photo: Koka Nikoladze.

 

ORCHESTRA/STRINGS/SYMPHONIC BAND

 

Tatyana — Portrait of a Woman, Clarinet Concerto, Op. 99 (30:00) 2019

Clarinet and Orchestra

Concerto for Oboe and Orchestra, Op. 89 (30:30) 2012

Munch Suite, Op. 53 (22:00) 1998/2002

Flute, Harp, and String Orchestra

Un rêve Norvégien

Concerto for Alto-Saxophone and Orchestra (or Symphonic Band), Op 65 (20:00) 2002

                                                                                                                                          Olokun, an Orchestral Song, op. 39 (5:00) 1994

Soprano and Orchestra

Etwas Neues unter der Sonnen! Op 13b (19:00) 2000

Concerto for Hardanger Fiddle and Symphonic band

 

Mostrasuite / Moster Suite, Op. 9/15/106 (30:00) 1986/2024

Orchestral Suite from the music to the historical pageant «The Christ-Kings at Moster»

Soprano, Mezzosoprano, 2 Baritones, Bass, Choir (TB), Orchestra

Ave Maria, Op. 11 (20:00) 1984

Concert for Organ and String Orchestra, Gregorian Choir (TB)

 

Lament, an Orchestral Song, Op. 6 (13:00) 1981

Soprano Solo, Orchestra

 

 

IINSTRUMENTAL CHAMBER MUSIC

 

Scherzando sul peccato originale, Op. 118 (7:00) 2026

Un poema sinfonico su Syndefall (caduta nel peccato) di André Bjerke

for String Septet; 2 Violins, 2 Violas, 3 Cellos

 

Preghiera per la pace, Op. 115 (7:55) 2025

for Trumpet Solo

 

Da pacem, Op. 111 (9:20) 2025

for Trumpet and Organ

 

Romanorvegia, Op. 109, based on Romanian and Norwegian folk tunes (15:00) 2024

for Violin Solo and String Orchestra

 

Shirabe, Op. 108 (13:00) 2024

for Viola and two Harps

 

Silhouette a Deux, Op. 102, (12:40) 2022

for Violin and Cello

 

O magnum mysterium, Op. 101 (11:30) 2020

for Harp

 

Tres flores, Op. 97 (17:00) 2019

For Viola, Tenor Saxophone, and Piano

 

BosNOREGia, Op. 95, based on Bosnian and Norwegian Folk Tunes (37:30) 2016

for Accordion and String Quartet

 

String Quartet No. 2, Op. 91 (24:30) 2013

String Quartet

 

Divertimento for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 86 (12:00) 2010

Clarinet and Piano

 

Air d'été suédois, Op. 85 (15:00) 2009

Clarinet and String Quartet

 

Griegorienne, Op. 80 (12:00) 2007

for Flute, Violin, Cello, and Piano

 

Exaudi, Op. 77 (14:00) 2005

for Viola and Organ

 

Angeli — XVIII imagines angelorum Antiqui et Novi Testamenti, Op. 63 (60:00) 2001

for Flute, Violin, Cello, and Piano

 

Orpheus, Op. 34 (34:00) 1993

for Flute and Piano

 

String Quartet — Quattro Stazioni, Op. 21 (20:00) 1989

String Quartet

 

 

CHAMBER MUSIC WITH VOICE(S)

 

Morovers / Fun Verses, Op. 117, (60:00) 2026

A Suite based on André Bjerke's Morovers

for seven Singers (SSSSATB), Flute, String Quartet, Percussion, and Piano

 

Fred for fjern og nær / Peace, Far and Near, Op. 114, (30:00) 2025

With poems by Arnold Eidslott and peace quotations from around the world

For Recitation, Vocal Trio (SSA), Trumpet, and Cello

 

The Temptations of Veslemøy, Op. 113 (60:00) 2025

Song cycle for Soprano, Alto and Baritone Soloists, Oboe, Piano and Double Bass.

Lyrics: From Arne Garborg’s «Haugtussa» (1895). Translations: William H. Halverson.

 

I lofte’ søve’ mi jomfru, «In the Loft My Maiden Sleeps», Op. 105, (45:00) 2024

Three medieval ballads for seven children voices,

Violin, Viola, Cello, Percussion, and Piano

 

Det er den draumen / It is That Dream, Op. 94 (8:00) 2015

text: Olav H. Hauge / William H. Halverson

for Soprano, Flute, Violin, Cello, and Piano

 

De tre / The Three, (The Muslim, the Jew, the Christian) Op. 83 (17:00) 2008

Text: Henrik Wergeland. Flute/Alto Flute, Violin, Cello, and Tape

 

Så stort, så stilt / Shizukesa ya, Op. 52 (10:00) 1997

for Baritone Solo, Violin, and Piano four hands

 

ilLUXit, Op. 23 (10:00) 1989

for Trumpet, Baritone, and Organ

 

And I John, Op. 17 (20:00) 1987

for Baritone, and Organ

 

3 Høgsongar for låg røyst / 3 Songs of Songs, Op. 12 (16:00) 1984

for Mezzo-Soprano, String Quartet and Percussion

 

SONGS

 

The Cup of Life, Op. 116, (8:30) 2025

Poems from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam / Edward Fitzgerald

                                                                                                                                                           Tonar / Tunes, Op. 110 (5:00) 2025

text: Tore Skåli. For Soprano, Tenor and Piano

 

Look to this day, Op. 103 (5:00) 2023

Kalidasa, Sanskrit dramatist, d. 420 A.D.

 

Seseljasongar / Seselja Songs, Op. 96 (18:30) 2018

Texts: Ruth Lillegraven (Urd) for Soprano and Guitar

 

Epitaf / Epitaph, Op. 75 (9:00) 2004

Text: Paal-Helge Haugen. Baritone and Piano

 

Jenny — a Tone Painting, Op. 62 (18:00) 2001

for Soprano Solo, and Piano

 

14 Ibsensanger / 14 Ibsen Songs, Op. 50 (36:00) 1996

for Baritone, and Piano

 

12 blad frå ein austleg hage / 12 Leaves from an Eastern Garden, Op. 46 (6:00) 1995

for Soprano, Baritone, and Piano

 

CHORAL WORKS A CAPPELLA

Nunc dimittis (Simeons lovsong/Simeona lávlla), Op. 120 (7:40) 2026

for Baritone Solo, Choir (SATB) and Organ

 

Spring Day Op. 112, 2025

from The Four Seasons (Haugtussa) for mixed choir

 

3 Vaage-songar / Three Vaage Songs, Op 104, 2023

texts by Ragnvald Vaage for mixed Choir a cappella

 

Kva er då eit menneske / What Then Is Man, Op. 93 (18:30) 2015

for Choir (SATB) and Solo Quartet (SATB)

 

Nordhave / North Sea, Op. 81 (2007)

Text: Arne Garborg. Choir (SATB)

 

Guds Søn har gjort mig fri / God's Son Has Made Me Free, Op. 72 (04:30) 2004

Mixed Choir (SSAATTBB)

 

Psalmi, Op. 70 2003

I Ego Clamavi, Op. 56 (4:00) 1998

II Cantate Domino, Op. 70 (4:00) 2003

III Iubilate Deo, Op. 68 (5:00) 2003

Choir (SATB)

 

Voluspá / The Prophecy/Sayings of the Völva, Op. 67 (15:00) 2003

Mixed Choir (SSAATTBB)

 

Den fagraste rosa / The Fairest Rose, Op. 60 (14:00) 2000

Traditional Norwegian Singer, Tenor and Baritone Solo, Choir (SATB)

 

Havet / The Sea, Op. 59 (12:00) 2000

Texts by Kolbein Falkeid. Mixed Choir (SATB)

 

Hymni & sequentiae — Seven Latin Male-choir Pieces, Op. 48 (13:00) 1994–96

Choir (TTBB)

 

Stabat Mater dolorosa, Op. 40 (7:30) 1994

Vocal Quartet (Contralto, two Tenors, and Bass) and Male Choir (TTBB)

 

Sju vindar / Seven Winds, Op. 27 (15:00) 1991

Texts: Olav H. Hauge. Girls’ Choir (SSAA)

 

Kverni / The Mill, Op. 26 (9:00) 1990

Texts: Olav H. Hauge. Male Choir (TTBB)

 

Apal / Apple Tree, Op. 25 (23:00) 1990

Texts: Olav H. Hauge. Mixed choir (SATB)

 

Nox Praecessit, Op. 19 (12:00) 1987

Choir (SATB) a cappella

 

Om de sidste Ting / On the Last Things, Op. 2 (30:00) 1979

SATB, Trumpet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Flute, Piano, Bass, and Percussion

 

3 Cantica, Op. 1:

Magnificat, Op. 1a (12:00) 1978

2 soprano soloists, SSAATTBB, organ, double bass

 

Nunc Dimittis, Op. 1b (10:00) 1979

Baritone solo, SSAT/ATBB, organ

 

Benedictus Dominus, Op. 1c (14:30) 1983

Tenor solo, SATB, organ

 

 

CHOIR WITH ENSEMBLE/ORCHESTRA

 

Eolsharpa / The Aeolian Harp, Op. 90 (32:30) 2012

Texts: Jakob Sande. Vocal Sextet, Harp, and Strings

 

Das Lied von der Glocke / The Song of the Bell, Op. 74 (30:00) 2004,

Text: Friedrich Schiller. Choir (TTBB/SATB), Soprano and Baritone Soloists,

Percussion, Strings, and Organ

 

Kyst / Coast, a Cantata, Op. 66 (38:00) 2003

Text: Paal-Helge Haugen. Narrator, Choir (SATB), Soloists (SATB), and String Quartet

 

Reise / Journey — a Church Cantata, Op. 49 (60:00) 1996

Text: Paal-Helge Haugen

Soprano and baritone solo, choir, children's choir, flute, violin, cello, organ

 

 

ORGAN

 

Ave maris stella, Op. 100 (12:00) 2019

 

Gaudeamus (omnes in Domino), Op. 79 (9:00) 2007

 

A solis ortus cardine, Op. 78 (7:00) 2006

 

Allmakts Gud og kjærleiks Fader / Almighty God and Father of Love

(Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme) (05:22) 2005

 

Fanfare og Blues / Fanfare and Blues, Op. 57 (12:00) 1999

 

Høyr kor kyrkjeklokka lokkar / Hear How the Church Bell Calls;

10 Organ Chorales, Op. 29 (25 min) 1976/92

 

Orgelsuite / Organ Suite, Op. 22b (23:00) 1989

 

Introduction & Passacaglia, Op. 18 (16:00) 1987

 

 

OPERA/ORATORIO/MUSICAL/THEATRE MUSIC

 

Karlstad 1905 — Et Blad i Civilisationens Historie /

Une page d'histoire de la civilisatio, Op. 82 (90:00) 2007/16

12 Soloists, Flute, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Strings

 

Nenia — a Chamber Opera in memory of Fartein Valen, Op. 92 (75:00) 2014

4 Soloists, Flute, Clarinet, Horn, and Strings

 

Greven av Monte Cristo / The Count of Monte Cristo — a Musical in 3 Acts, Op. 88 (112:00) 2011

10 Soloists, 8 Speaking Roles, Choir, Orchestra.

 

Adam og Eva / Adam and Eve — an Oratorio, Op. 84 (120 min) 2008

Text: Henrik Wergeland. 7 Soloists, Choir and Orchestra

 

The Maid of Norway — Opera in 2 acts, Op. 58 (150:00) 2000

12 Soloists, Orchestra

 

Hans Egedes Natt / Hans Egede’s Night — an Opera, Op. 45 (75:00) 1995

Soloists, Choir, Orchestra

 

Ei natt på jorda / A Night on Earth — an Oratorio, Op. 33 (100:00) 1993

Baritone Solo, Vocal Quartet (SATB), Choir, Orchestra

 

Mostraspelet / The Moster Pageant, Op. 9 (60:00) 1983

Theatre Music. Baritone Solo, Choir (TB), Orchestra

 

 

 

LITURGICAL DRAMAS/CHURCH PLAYS, MELODRAMAS

 

Terje Vigen, a Melodrama, Op. 76 (65:00) 2005

Text: Henrik Ibsen. Translation: William H. Halverson

Flute, Violin, Cello, Piano, and Recitation

 

Saa rider vi med Præsten op til Omersdal /

So We Ride with the Priest up to Omersdal, Op. 64 (70 min) 2002

Baritone Solo, Narrator, Flute, Violin, Cello, and Organ

 

Mysteriet / The Mystery, Op. 61 (60:00) 2001

The story of Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection According to Arnold Eidslott

Narrator, Vocal Quartet (SSAA), Flute, Violin, Hardanger fiddle, 2 Cellos, Organ

 

Noahs draum / Noah’s Dream, Op. 35 (65:00) 1993

Soprano, Baritone, Narrator, Jazz quartet: Saxophone, Keyboards, Percussion, Bass.

 

Yobel — a Liturgical Drama, Op. 22a (30:00) 1989

5 Acting Roles, Choir, Organ, Alto and Tenor Saxophone, Percussion, Guitar

 

Kar og kjerring / Man and Woman, a Fable, Op. 20) (50:00) 1988

Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Narrator (SSA ad lib.), Jazz group (ad lib.)

 

Jabal, Op. 14 (45:00) 1985

Tenor, Baritone, and Bass Soloists, SATB, Flute, Guitar,

2 Trumpets, 2 Trombones, Organ, Piano, and Percussion

 

Davidshytta / David's Hut, Op. 10 (35:00) 1984

Tenor solo, Bass Solo, 2 Children’s Choirs (SSA/SSA),

Recorder, Flute, 2 Trumpets, Trombone, Guitar, Percussion, Organ

 

Jubal, Op. 4 (25:00) 1981

Tenor Solo, Bass solo, SATB, 2 Trumpets, 2 Trombones, Harp, Percussion, and Organ

 

 

LITURGICAL/CHURCH FUNCTIONAL MUSIC

 

Ikkje av brød åleine / Not by Bread Alone — a Mass, Op. 32 (33:00) 1992

Choir (SATB), Soprano, Boy Soprano, and Alto Solo,

Liturgist (Tenor), Organ, 2 Trumpets, Horn, 2 Trombones, 2 Actors, 1 Dancer

 

50 motettar i kyrkjeåret / 50 Motets for the Church Year

(See separate list)

 

workS

 

ReCORDINGS 

 

own CDs

 

SONGAR OM KJÆRLEIK / SONGS OF LOVE, LWC1268, 2024

Vocal, Piano, String Quartet, Percussion

 

MUNCH SUITE, (only digital) 2023

Flute, Harp and String Orchestra

 

QUATTRO STAZIONI, LWC1193, 2020

String Quartet, Clarinet, Piano

 

ET NOX IN DIEM VERSA, LWC1136, 2017

Choir

 

GAUDEAMUS, LWC1031, 2012

Organ

 

ANGELI, IDACD3, 2002

Flute, Violin, Cello, Piano

 

NOAHS DRAUM / NOAH’S DREAM, GRCD4156, 1998

Vocals, Saxophone, Keyboards, Bass, Percussion

 

EI NATT PÅ JORDA / A NIGHT ON EARTH — oratorio, HCD2911, 1995

Soloists, Choir, Orchestra (double CD)

 

MOSTRASPELET / THE MOSTER PAGEANT, HCD2912, 1995

Soloists, Choir, Orchestra

 

 

Works featured on other CDs

 

NEW MUSIC FOR TRUMPET #14, AZ2026, 2026

Da pacem, Trumpet and Organ

Preghiera per la pace, Trumpet Solo

 

AVE MARIS STELLA, EUCD122, 2023

• Ave Maris Stella, organ

 

TRIO BRAX, LWC1248, 2023

• Tres flores, Tenor Saxophone, Viola and Piano

 

SINGING OBOE, LWC1186, 2019

• Concerto for Oboe and Orchestra

 

NORWEGIN SAXOPHONE, LWC1162, 2018

• Un rêve norvégien, Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra

 

AKROSTIKON, ACD5091, 2018

• Ave Maria, Concerto for Organ and String Orchestra

 

SOMETHING NEW, LWC1076, 2014

• Hymni et Sequentiae, Male Choir

 

ETWAS NEUES UNTER DER SONNEN, SONCD9002, 2002

• Etwas Neues unter der Sonnen, Concerto for Hardanger Fiddle and Symphonic Band

 

DEN FAGRASTE ROSA, 2001 — Choir

• Den fagraste rosa / The Fairest Rose

• I mørkeste mørke / In Darkest Darkness

• Kling no, klokka! / Ring Now, O Bell!

• Mitt hjerte alltid vanker / My Heart Always Wanders

 

UPPSKOKA, IDACD2, 2001 — Flute, Violin, Cello, Piano            

• Tiltrekning / Attraction

• All arrangements

 

ECHOES OF NORWAY, IDACD1, 1998 — flute, violin, cello, piano

• With a Water-lily

• Lamentation

• Høyr, kor kyrkjeklokka lokkar / Hear How the Church Bell Calls

• All arrangements