What did Gisle Kverndokk compose?
-
«Ingrid fra Barrøy»
2023-24
Libretto: Ivar Tindberg, based on Roy Jacobsens novel series.
Commissioned by Bodø 2024, Nordland Musikkfestuke.
World Premiere: 9. August 2024, Stormen Concert Hall, Bodø.
Publisher: Norsk Musikforlag
"Klovnen” (The Clown)
2022
Libretto: Aksel-Otto Bull, based on Ingmar Bergman's film «Larmar och gör sig till».
Commissioned by Arktisk Filharmoni.
World Premiere: 9. October 2025; Stormen Concert Hall, Bodø.
Publisher: Norsk Musikforlag
“Tottilotto – Den lille penselen”
2022
Libretto: Bjørn F. Rørvik, based on his children's book.
Commissioned by Opera til Folket.
Publisher: NB Noter
sheet music
“Purriot og den forsvunne bronsehesten”
2018
Libretto: Bjørn F. Rørvik, based on his children's book.
World premiere: The Norwegian National Opera, 12. May 2018.
Publisher: NB Noter
sheet music
trailer
”The Guilty Mother”
An excerpt from an opera yet to be written
2017
Libretto: Aksel-Otto Bull based on the play by Beaumarchais.
World premiere: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, 26/11 2017. New York Opera Society.
Publisher: NB Noter
sheet music
listen
“Upon this Handful of Earth”
2016
Libretto: Aksel-Otto Bull and Gisle Kverndokk, based on Pierre Teilhard de Chardin's texts.
World premiere: St. Ignatious Loyola Church, New York City, February 2017. New York Opera Society.
Publisher: Norsk Musikforlag
sheet music
New York Production: listen
Oslo Production: watch
“Supersize Girl” - Children's Opera
2013
Libretto: Øystein Wiik.
World premiere: The National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, December 2013. New York Opera Society.
Publisher: Felix Bloch Erben / NB Noter
sheet music
listen
“Påske” - Chamber Opera
2013
Libretto: Aksel-Otto Bull, based on August Strindberg's chamber play.
World premiere: Kilden Teater and Konserthus, Kristiansand - Norway, April 2014. Opera Sør/Bergen Nasjonale Opera.
Publisher: NB Noter
sheet music
trailer
“Max and Moritz” - Children's Opera
2010
Libretto: Øystein Wiik, based on Wilhelm Busch's children's book.
World premiere: The National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, October 2010. New York Opera Society.
Publisher: Felix Bloch Erben / NB Noter
sheet music
listen
watch
"Around The World in 80 Days "
2007
Libretto: Øystein Wiik, based on Jules Verne's novel.
Commissioned for the opening of the new Opera house in Oslo.
World premiere: The Norwegian National Opera, 2010.
Publisher: Felix Bloch Erben / NB Noter
sheet music
listen
"Den fjerde nattevakt” (The Fourth Watch of the Night"
2005/12
Libretto: Ivar Tindberg, based on Johan Falkberget's novel.
Commissioned by The Norwegian National Opera.
Libretto: Ivar Tindberg, based on Johan Falkberget's novel.
World premiere: The Norwegian National Opera 2005.
WINNER of Edvardprisen in 2006.
Publisher: NB Noter
sheet music
listen
watch
"Scener fra Den fjerde nattevakt” 2005
For mezzo soprano, bariton, bass-bariton, choir, violin, piano, organ and strings.
Libretto: Ivar Tindberg, based on Johan Falkberget's novel.
Commissioned by Vinterfestspillene, Røros.
World premiere: Røros Church 12/3 – 2005.
Performed by: Hege Høisæter, Njål Sparbo, Ketil Hugaas, Sven Nyhus, Choir, The Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, Conductor: Gisle Kverndokk.
Publisher: NB Noter
sheet music
"Bokken Lasson – sensibel suksess" - Radio Opera
2000
Libretto: Ivar Tindberg, based on the life of the cabaret singer Bokken Lasson.
Commissioned and recorded by NRK Kultur.
Performed by: The Norwegian Radio Orchestra with singers and actors from Radioteateret.
World premiere 2000.
1. Prize winner in the Prix Italia 2000, Bologna.
Publisher: NB Noter
sheet music
listen
"Georgs magiske medisin" - Opera Buffa
1994
Libretto: John Hollen, based on Roald Dahl's novel.
World premiere: Operaen i Kristiansund, September 1995.
Recorded by The Norwegian Radio Orchestra in 1996.
Publisher: NB Noter
sheet music
"Falketårnet"
1989
Libretto: Erik Fosnes Hansen, based on his own novel.
World premiere: Ibsenhuset, Skien, March 1990.
Publisher: NB Noter
sheet music
«Før vi glemmer hverandres ansikter» - Radio opera
1983
Libretto: Siri Kverndokk.
Commissioned and recorded by NRK.
Performed by: The Norwegian Radio Orchestra, The Norwegian National Opera Chorus, conductor: Christian Eggen. -
“Soga om Sol”
2022- 23
Libretto: Øystein Wiik.
World Premiere: Opera Nordfjord, 4 October 2023.
Publisher: NB Noter
sheet music
watch
“Trolle unter uns”
2021
Musical
Libretto: Øystein Wiik.
World premiere: Luisenburg Festspiele, Wunsiedel, 1 June 2022.
Publisher: NB Noter
sheet music
watch
“Fanny und Alexander”
2017-19
Musical
Libretto: Øystein Wiik, based on Ingmar Bergman's film.
World premiere: Landestheater Linz, Austria, 16. April 2022.
Publisher: Musik & Bühne
sheet music
watch
listen
"Rosens navn" (Der Name der Rose)
2018-19
Libretto: Øystein Wiik, based on Umberto Eco's novel.
World premiere: Domstufen Festspiele, Theater Erfurt, Germany, 9. August 2019.
Publisher: Felix Bloch Erben.
sheet music
listen
trailer
trailer
“Around the World in 80 Days” or “How many operas fit into one musical?”
2016
Libretto: Øystein Wiik, based on Jules Verne's novel.
World premiere: Landestheater Linz, Austria, October 2016.
Publisher: Felix Bloch Erben
sheet music
listen
trailer
“Ruth Maier” (”Letters from Ruth” / "Briefe von Ruth")
2014
Libretto: Aksel-Otto Bull and Gisle Kverndokk, based on “Ruth Maier's diary” by Jan Erik Vold.
World premiere: Musical Frühling in Gmunden, Austria, 31. March 2023.
Publisher: Musik & Bühne
sheet music and info
trailer
listen
“Dickie Dick Dickens”
2006/2012
Libretto: Øystein Wiik, based on the radio plays by Rolf and Alexandra Becker.
World premiere: Bårdar Akademiet, May, 2013.
listen
"Martin L"
2007
Libretto: Øystein Wiik, based on Martin Luther's life.
World premiere: Domstufen Festspiele, Theater Erfurt, Germany, Juli 2008.
Publisher: Felix Bloch Erben.
sheet music
"Frendelaus” (Heimatlos / Homeless)
2003
Libretto: Øystein Wiik, based on the novel by Hector Malot.
World premiere: Det Norske Teatret, Oslo, October 2003.
Publisher: Felix Bloch Erben.
sheet music
listen
"Farlige forbindelser" (Gefährliche Liebschaften)
2002
Libretto: Øystein Wiik, based on Choderlos de Laclos's novel.
World premiere: Theater Pforzheim, Germany, December 2002.
Publisher: Felix Bloch Erben.
sheet music
"Vincent van Gogh"
2001
Libretto: Øystein Wiik, based on Vincent van Gogh's life.
World premiere: Ettlingen Schlossfestspiele, Germany, June 2001.
sheet music
listen
trailer
"Sofies verden" (Sophie's World / Sofies Welt)
1998
Libretto: Øystein Wiik, based on Jostein Gaarder's novel.
World premiere: Ettlingen Schlossfestspiele, Germany, June 1998.
Publisher: Felix Bloch Erben.
sheet music
listen
”Eirik Menneskeson” - A norse
1995
Libretto: Tone Ringen and Svend Erik Løken Larsen, Based on Lars Henrik Olsen's novel.
Demo recording with Birgitte Grimstad, Tone Ringen, Bentine Holm, Yngve Gåsøy Romdal, Vibeke Hellemann, Kari Bremnes, Ola Fjellvikås, Ole Hermod Henriksen, Guri Egge, Ståle Ytterlid.
Available on demand.
Publisher: NB Noter
sheet musicOTHER FORMS OF MUSICAL THEATRE
"Sommerens Maria"
2010
A church play for soloists, mixed choir, children's choir and instrumental ensemble.
Text: Eyvind Skeie.
Commissioned by: Kirkens korskole, Nøtterøy.
World premiere i Nøtterøy Kirke, 26 Mars, 2011, with conductor Kristin Vold.
Publisher: Kirkesangforlaget
sheet music
listen
”I eventyret” (In the Fairy Tale)
2001
A chamber musical based on the life of H. C. Andersen - for 2 singers and one musician (piano/flute)
Text: Sunniva Egge Sipus, Guri Egge, Knut Sæter – based on H.C. Andersen's fairytales.
Commissioned by: Rikskonsertene. World premiere: Løkeberg school, Akershus, Løkeberg school, 24/10 2001.
Performers: Guri Egge, Sunniva Sipus, Gisle Kverndokk.
Publisher: NB Noter
sheet music
”Heilt glad - Heilt trist ” 1996
A musical story for actors and seven musicians. Text: Liv Holtskog
Commissioned by: Ny Musikk Troms.
World premiere: Harstad 31/1 – 1997. Director: Ivar Tindberg.
Performed by: Torunn Meier, Affinis Ensemble
Publisher: NB Noter
sheet music
”Ho som bar god frukt”
1991
Dramatic cantata for soprano, mezzosoprano, bariton, resitasjon, choir & chamber ensemble. Text: Gudrun Brauti Knutslid.
Commissioned by: Landstadinstituttet, Seljord.
World premiere: Seljord church, 26/7 1991.
Performers: Kjell Oskar Selma - recitation, Aina Oldeide - soprano, Ann Cathrin Tessnes - mezzo, Ståle Ytterlid - bariton, Lene Grenanger, cello, Birger Mistereggen & Oddbjørn Aase, percussion, Arnhild Vik, piano, Terje Tjervåg, organ, Choir from Telemark, Gisle Kverndokk, conductor.
Publisher: NB Noter
sheet music -
STRINGS:
"Toner i Steen!"
Movements for 5 Strings (2024)
Commissioned by Kulturelt Initiativ, Sandefjord.
World Premiere: Midtåsen Skulpturpaviljong, Sanderfjord, 15. September 2024.
Performers: Elise Båtnes, Maria A. Carlsen, Henninge Landaas, Louisa Tuck og Kenneth Ryland.
sheet music
«An Afternoon in New York» Suite for solo violin (2023)
sheet music
“Dreams of Stone” - Suite for Solo Double Bass (2020-2024)
Dedicated to Dan Styffe
World Premiere: Recording summer 2024
Performer: Dan Styffe
sheet music
listen
“A Summer Evening” for violin / viola and piano (2023)
sheet music - violin and piano
sheet music - viola and piano
"La Nouvelle Athènes" String Quartet No. 1 (2014)
Comissioned by Hardanger Musikkfestival
World premiere: Hardanger Musikkfestival, 5 June, 2014.
Performers: The Danish String Quartet.
sheet music
“Introduction and Passacaglia” for violin and cello (2009)
World premiere: The National Gallery, Oslo, 2009.
Performers: Sara Øvinge and Frida Frederikke Waaler Wærvågen.
sheet music
"Through the looking-glass" for solo violin (2008)
Commissioned by Norsk Komponistforening.
World premiere: Valdres Sommarsymfoni, 30. June 2008.
Performers: Miriam Helms Ålien
sheet music
listen
“Shakespeare Suite” for string orchestra (2005)
Commissioned by Norges Ungdomsorkesterforbund (UNOF). World premiere: Telemarksgalleriet, Notodden, 22. October, 2006.
Performers: Minsk Kammerorkester
sheet music
listen
”Liposculpture" for violin and cello (1999)
Commissioned by: Kyberia; Victoria Johnson and Tanja Orning.
World premiere: Stavanger konserthus, 5/1 2000, by Kyberia
sheet music
listen
”An Ambient Fantasy” For bass koto and string quartet (1995-96)
Commissioned by: Reiko Kamata, Tokyo.
sheet music
”Vandring” (Wandering) for violin and piano (1992)
World Premiere: The State Ballet Academy, Oslo, 12/12 1992, Performers: Peter Herresthal, violin, Gonzalo Moreno, piano
sheet music
”Ritratto” for solo violin (1994)
Commissioned by and performed by: Victoria Johnson, Oslo, 1994.
sheet musicPIANO:
«5 Pieces for Piano 4 Hands» (2023)
WP: November, 2023, EPTA-conference in Rome.
Performers: Otto Graf, Monica Tomescu-Rohde.
sheet music
listen
«Sommerhagen» (The Summer Garden) suite no. 1 for piano (2020)
World Premiere: Nordic Song Festival, Bogstad Gård, 9. august, 2020. Performer: Bernhard Greter.
sheet music
listen
«Cocktail Hour» suite no. 2 for piano (2020)
World Premiere: Glenn Miller Café, Stockholm, 7/2-2022.
Performer: Johannes Bolmvall.
sheet music
listen
Recording of “Manhattan”
Recording of “Old Fashioned
Recording of “Boulevardier”
“En gammeldags juleaften”(An Old Fashioned Christmas Eve) suite no. 3 for piano (2020)
sheet music
listen
«En kveld i kunstnerforeningen»(A Night at the Artists Association) suite no. 4 for piano (2021)
World Premiere: Kunstnerforeningen, Engebret Café, 15.november 2021, Performer: Håkon Austbø
sheet music
listen
«En valsesuite»( A Waltz Suite) suite no. 5 for piano (2022)
sheet music
listen
«Påskens historie»(The Story of Easter) suite no. 6 for piano (2023)
sheet music
listen
”Gott! Welch’ dunkel hier” for solo piano (2015)
Written for Susanne Kessel’s ”250 piano pieces for Beethoven.” World Premiere: 22. April 2015 Rheinhotel Dreesen, Bonn
Performer: Susanne Kessel
Editions Musica Ferrum, London
sheet music
listen
“Blomar, mord og måne”(Flowers, Murder and Moon) suite for solo piano (1998)
World Premiere: Bergen International Music Festival, Siljustøl, 1998
Performer: Einar Steen Nøkleberg
sheet music
”Titanias Vuggesang” (Titania’s Lullaby) for solo piano (1998)
Written for Bjørg Bjøntegaard’s ”Mosaikk” Pianomusikk gjennom tidene.
Norsk Musikforlag.
sheet music
"Lengt" (Longing) for solo piano (1997)
World Premiere: Universitetets Aula, Oslo. 12/6 1997
Performer: Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
sheet music
”Sonate for klaver” (Sonata for Piano) (1991)
World Premiere: Paul Hall, The Juilliard School, New York, 20/4 -1992
Performer: Dorian Keilhack
sheet music
ORGAN:
“Laterna Magica” for organ duo (2018)
Commissioned and premiered by The Nordic Organ Duo, in Haug Kirke, march 2019.
sheet music
“Men størst blant dem er kjærligheten” – Hymn for organ (2013)
Premiered 4. May, 2014, Ammerud Church..
sheet music
WINDS:FLUTE SOLO:
«Sonatine» for solo flute (2024)
sheet music“Mallikas sang” for solo flute (2007)
sheet music“Tre folketoner” (Three folk tunes) for flute solo (1990)
“To short pieces for solo flute”; “Når våre namn blir ordlause» , «Smil Thailand» (1987)
World premiere at The Norwegian Theatre, Oslo, 1987. Gisle Kverndokk, flute.
sheet music
sheet musicFLUTE AND PIANO:
“Nocturne” for two flutes and piano (2024)
sheet music«A Summer Evening» for flute and piano (2023)
sheet music«Memories of my Father» for flute and piano (2023)
sheet music“En gammeldags juleaften” - (An Old Fashioned Christmas Eve) Suite for flute and piano (2020)
World Premiere: Gjerpen Church, Skien, December 2023. Performers:
Arild Andersen, flute, Gisle Kverndokk, piano.
sheet musicFLUTE CHOIR:
“At the Edge of the Sky” for solo flute and flute choir.
Commissioned by FløyteFest! 2025
sheet musicBRASS:
“Julenatt” for Brass Band (2023) from the musical “Soga om Sol”
Norsk Musikkforlag«Memories of my Father» for trumpet and piano (2023)
World premiere: Kalkmølla Kulturstasjon, Bærum, 31. August 2023.
Performers: Tine Thing Helseth, trumpet, Gunnar Flagstad, piano.
sheet music“Un Moment de la vie” for organ and brass ensemble (2006)
Commissioned and premiered by Telemark Messingensemble, 2006.
sheet musicWIND ENSENBLE:
“The Silk Road” for wind octet with contrabass (2017)
Commissioned by Oslo Kammerakademi.
World premiere: The Norwegian National Opera, 5. September, 2017.
Performers: Oslo Kammerakademi.
sheet music
listen
”Movements” for Wind Quintett (1999)
Commissioned by Bergen Wind Quintet.
World Premiere: Grieghallen, Bergen, 1999
Performers: Bergen Wind Quintet
sheet music
MIXED ENSEMBLE:
«A Winter Morning» - Octet for clarinet, bassoon, horn and string quintet. (2020)
Commissioned by Kulturelt Initiativ, Sandefjord.
World Premiere: Hjertnes, Sandefjord, 27. February, 2021.
Performers from The Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra.
sheet music
“Offertorium” for clarinet, violin, piano (2015)
World Premiere: Ultimafestivalen, Oslo, 15. September 2015.
Performers: Trio ClariNord
sheet music
listen
"Three pictures" for trumpet, violin and piano (2013)
Commissioned by Tine Thing Helseth
World Premiere: tine@munch Chamber Music Festival, The Munch Museum, June 2013
Performers: Tine Thing Helseth, trumpet, Charlie Siem, violin, Kathryn Stott, piano.
sheet music
“Marble Surplus” for marble percussion and electronics (2008)
Commissioned by The Norwegian National Opera, for the opening of the new opera house in Oslo.
World Premiere: 12. Arpil, 2008, DNO&B.
Performers: Rune Martinsen, Jonas Blomqvist, Laila Sjørbotten, Pål Bugge, percussion. Cato Langnes, electronics, Gisle Kverndokk, conductor.
listen
”...wither wander you” Duo Concertante for Flute and Bass (2000-2001)
World Premiere: Oslo Chamber Music Festival, 18. August, 2001
Performers: Dan Styffe, double bass, Anne Hveding, flute
sheet music
listen
”Toccata” for 3 percussionists (2000)
Based on music for “As You Like It” - The Norwegian Theatre, 2000.
sheet music
”Tre satser for to trekkspill”(Three Movements for Two Accordions) (1995)
World Premiere: Lindemannsalen, The Norwegian Academy of Music, 9. May 1995
Performers: Lena Rist-Larsen, Erik Bergene
sheet music
”Intermezzo” for Flute, Clarinet, Trombone, Marimba, Violine & Double Bass (1991)
World Premiere: The Norwegian Academy of Music, 1991.
sheet music -
CHOIR A CAPELLA
«Three Winter Songs» for choir (SATB) 2023
Lyrics by Emily Brönte, Edgar Allan Poe, William Shakespeare
World Premiere: Majorstua Church, 28. January 2024.
Performers: The Norwegian Academy of Music Vocal Ensemble
“Vår konge elsker landet vårt” (Our King Loves our Country) for male chorus (2019)
Text: Odd-Magnus Williamson
Commissioned and premiered by Birkelunden Mannskor, conductor: Knut Kristian Mohn, 17. May 2019.
sheet music
listen and watch
“Then I saw a new heaven” for choir a capella (2017)
Text from The Bible
From the opera «Upon This Handful of Earth”
sheet music
listen
"Stemmen fra oven" (The Voice from Above) en musikalsk påskekrim for forteller og vokal sekstett (2016)
Text: Knut Nærum.
Commissioned by Nordic Voices. World Premiere: Jakob Church, Oslo, March 2017.
Performers: Knut Nærum and Nordic Voices
sheet music
“Tre sanger til tekst av Jens Zetlitz” for male chorus (2011)
Commissioned by Heiberg Mannskor. World Premiere: Ålesund, 17. May 2011
Performers: Heiberg Mannskor
“Feberdigte” for 16 voices a capella (2009)
Text: Knut Hamsun
Commissioned by Nordland Festuke. World Premiere: Bodø, 14. August, 2010
Performers: Vokal Art, conductor: Kjetil Almenning.
sheet music
"Mass for six voices" (2002-2007)
Commissioned by Nordic Voices. World Premiere: “Kyrie” and “Gloria” at the Fartein Valen Festival, Haugesund, 2002.
Complete Mass at the Fartein Valen Festival, Haugesund, 2015.
Performers: Nordic Voices
sheet music
listen
”Jeg hører i natten” - 3 songs for choir (1997)
Text: Holger Drachmann
”Den vuggende lyd”: children's choir (SSSS), ”Det blændende Syn”: choir (SSSA), ”Det vigende Kor”: choir (SATB)
Commissioned by NRK P2 to their competition for childern’s and youth choir
sheet music
”Stilt som ein skjelv” for soprano and choir (1986)
Text:: Liv Holtskog.
World Premiere: Skien Church, 19. June – 1986.
Performers: Cecilie Rønning, soprano, Skien Music School’s Youth Choir, conductor: Geir Bilsbak
sheet music
CHOIR WITH ENSEMBLE:
"Hvor kjærlighet er…" Cantata for 4 soloists, choir, clarinet, violin, cello, piano and organ (2024)
Text: Aksel-Otto Bull, based on a novella by Leo Tolstoy.
Commissioned by Oslo Domkor. World Premiere: Oslo Cathedral, 8. June 2024
Performers: Oslo Domkor, Bjørn Nyman, Sara Chen, Ellen Flesjø, Sanae Yoshida, Lars Notto Birkeland Conductor: Vivianne Sydnes
Stage direction: Aksel-Otto Bull
sheet music“Sånger om klimatet” for children’s chorus and piano (2022)
Text: Children from Trollhättan, Sweden
Commissioned by Nordic Song Festival
World Premiere: Nordic Song Festival, Trollhättan, Sweden, Augst 2022.“Gjensidighetens gåte” for choir and piano (2020)
Lyrics by Eyvind Skeie. (2 versions: SS/SA - SATB)
Recorded by Kirkens Korskole Nøtterøy, conductor: Kristin Vold, Spring 2020.
sheet music SA
sheet music SATB
listen and watch
“The Bumble Bee” for children’s choir and piano (2017)
Lyrics: Aksel-Otto Bull and Gisle Kverndokk
From the opera «Upon This Handful of Earth”
sheet music
"The seven last words of Christ" for choir, 2 string quartets, piano and double bass (2013)
Recorded by Nordic Voices ”Fuge der Zeit” Aurora, 2015.
sheet music
listen
"Fuge der Zeit" for soprano, alto, tenor, bass, string orchestra and organ (2010)
Text from The Book of Ecclesiastes and poems by Paul Celan
Commissioned by Glogerfestspillene. World Premiere: Kongsberg Church, 30. January, 2011.
Performers: Isa Katharina Gericke, soprano, Ivonne Fuchs, alto, Helge Rønning, tenor, Nils Erik Cooper, bass, Leo van Doeselaar, organ, Potsdamer Kammerakademie, Conductor: Olof Boman
sheet music
Version for 6 voices, written for Nordic Voices. Recorded on the album ”Fuge der Zeit”, Aurora, 2015.
sheet music
listen
"Te Deum” for soprano, mezzo, choir, string quartet and organ (2010)
Commissioned by Oslo International Church Music Festival.
World Premiere: Margaretakyrkan, Oslo, 1. March, 2010.
Performers: Norwegian Soloists Choir, Oslo String Quartet, Conductor: Grete Pedersen.
sheet music
“Nidarosmesse” for choir, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones (2010)
Version for choir and organ.
Commissioned by Nidaros Cathedral Choir. World Premiere: Nidaros Cathedral 2010.
Performers: Nidaros Cathedral Choir, conductor: Vivianne Sydnes
sheet music fulll version
sheet music version for organ
“Skeive salmer” Suite for mixed choir, cello and piano (2005)
Text: Dag Blakkisrud.
Commissioned by Den Norske Homofonien.
World Premiere: Universitets Aula, Oslo, 24. November – 2005.
Performers: Den Norske Homofonien. Conductor: Hildegun Opstad Smørgrav.
sheet music
“Omriss” for choir and 9 strings (2000)
Text: Liv Holtskog.
Commissioned by Telemark Chamber Orchestra.
World Premiere: Sauherad Church, 5. April 2000
Performers: Telemark Chamber Orchestra, Nes Kantori, conductor: Lars Erik ter Jung.
sheet music
listen
”Lokkende toner” For flute and four voices (SATB) (1997)
Text: Johan Sebastian Welhaven. World Premiere: The Norwegian Academy of Music, for Per Øien’s 70th birthday celebration, 19. January 2008
Performers: Ingela Øien, Siri Torjesen, Kristin Kjølberg, Ulf Øien, Paul Arlidge, Conductor: Gisle Kverndokk
sheet music
“Syng” for children’s choir and piano (1987)
Text: Gudrun Brauti Knutslid.
World Premiere: Ibsenhuset, Skien, 4. June 1987
Performers: Skien Musikkskoles Barnekor, Gisle Kverndokk, piano, Conductor: Asta Schulerud
sheet music -
“Memories of my Father” for flute/trumpet and orchestra (2023)
World Premiere: Ibsenhuset, Skien, 30. September 2023
Performers: Telemark Symphony Orchestra, Gisle Kverndokk, flute, Conductor: Arild Andersen
sheet music - flute version
sheet music - trumpet version
listen and watch
“En kveld i Kunstnerforeningen” (A Night at the Artist’s Association) Suite for orkorchestra (2021-2023)
World Premiere: Ibsenhuset, Skien, 30. September 2023
Performers: Telemark Symphony Orchestra, Conductor: Arild Andersen
sheet music
“Ibsenhusets Jubileumsvignett” for orchestra / wind orchestra (2023)
World Premiere - Wind Orchestra: Ibsenhuset, Skien, 13. September, 2023.
Performers: Musikkforeningen Suoni, Conductor: Øyvind Strand,
World Premiere - Orchestra: Ibsenhuset, Skien, 30. september 2023
Performers: Telemark Symphony Orchestra, Conductor: Tania Carita Ikonen
“En gammeldags juleaften” (An Old Fashioned Christmas Eve) Suite for orchestra (2020-22)
World Premiere; 3 Movements : Skien Church, 11. December 2022
Performers: Telemark Symphony Orchestra, Conductor: Arild Andersen
World Premiere - Complete Suite:
Store Studio, NRK, Oslo, 6. December 2024
Performers: The Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Iselin Shumba, Narrator, Conductor: Chloé van Soeterstéde
sheet music
"Three Pictures" Suite for orchestra (2020)
Recorded by Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and Opera, Conductor: Aage Richard Meyer. LAWO, 2024.
sheet music
"A Desperate Light" for orchestra (2020)
Recorded by Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and Opera, Conductor: Peter Szilvay. LAWO, 2024.
sheet music
“Concerto for Harp and Orchestra” (2019)
Commissioend by Ursula Ascic. World Premiere: National Opera Theatre, Maribor, Slovenia, 18. January 2024.
Performers: Maribor National Opera Theatre Orchestra, Ursula Ascic, harp, Conductor: Iva Hut
sheet music
listen
"Symphonic Dances" (2013-14) for orchestra. Based on folk tunes from the Stavanger area. Commissioned by Stavanger Symphony Orchestra. World Premiere: Stavanger Concert House, April 30.
Performers: Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, Conductor: Rolf Gupta
sheet music
listen
Recording by SSO
“Around the world in 80 days” -Symphonic Suite” (2013)
World Premiere: 5. movement Universitetets Aula, Oslo, 27. September 2018.
Performers: The Norwegian Radio Orchestra, (KORK), Conductor: Ingar Bergby.
Complete suite recorded by Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and Opera, Conductor: Peter Szilvay. LAWO, 2024.
sheet music
“Ja, vi elsker dette landet!” (2008) Cantata based on the national anthem of Norway.
Text: Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson. For soprano, alto, tenor, bass, choir and orchestra.
Commissioned by Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra
World Premiere: Kristiansand Cathedral, May, 2008.
Performers: Birgitte Christensen, soprano, Birte Myhrstad, alto, Helge Rønning, tenor, Håvard Stensvold, bass, Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, Kristiansand Domkor, Conductor: Rolf Gupta.
sheet music
“Festovertyre” (2006)
Commissioned by Grenland Symfoniorkester.
World Premiere: Ibsenhuset, Skien, 11. November 2006.
Performers: Grenland Symfoniorkester, Conductor: Kjell Ingebrigtsen.
sheet music
"The whirls of the witches"(Heksevirvler) (2005), concert ouverture for orchestra.
Commissioned by Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra for Norsk Hydro's 100 years anniversary. World Premiere:
Oslo Concert House, 4. December, 2005.
Performers: Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra , Conductor: Vassilij Sinaiskij
sheet music
listen
"The Crystal Cabinet" (2002), Concerto for violin, piano and orchestra.
Commissioned by Peter Herresthal. World Premiere: Oslo Concert House, 13. February 2003.
Performers: Peter Herresthal, violin, Gonzalo Moreno, piano, Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Conductor: Eivind Aadland.
sheet music
listen
"The forgeries of jealousy" (2000) - a passion aria for soprano and orchestra.
Text fra "A midsummer night’s dream" av Shakespeare. Commissioned by Trondheim Symphony Orchestra.. World Premiere: Olavshallen, Trondheim, 5. May 2000.
Performers: Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, Guri Egge, soprano, Conductor: Michel Tabachnik.
sheet music
listen
"Peer Gynt - Fantasy" (1999) concert fantasy for violin and orchestra, based on Grieg’s ”Peer Gynt”
Commissioned by a NRK, for Summer Concert in Holmenkollen. World Premiere: Holmenkollen, Oslo, 18. June, 2000.
Performers: Arve Tellefsen, violin, Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Conductor: Manfred Honeck
sheet music
listen
Concerto for flute and orchestra (1998)
Commissioned by Ingela Øien.
World Premiere: Grieghallen, Bergen. 19. November 1998
Performers: Ingela Øien, flute; Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Conductor: Simone Young
sheet music
listen
Concerto for oboe and orchestra (1995)
Commissioned by Steinar Hannevold. World Premiere: Grieghallen, Bergen, 29. February, 1996.
Performers: Steinar Hannevold, oboe, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor: Dimitri Kitajenko.
sheet music
listen
”De profundis” (1995) Psalm for soprano, soprano saxophone and orchestra
Commissioned by Skiens Musikforening.
World Premiere: Skien Kirke, 1995.
Performers: Helga Botn, soprano, Harald Bergersen, saxophone, Skiens Musikforening, Conductor: Arild Andersen.
sheet music
“…In the night before the town crier begin to cry” for narrator and orchestra (1994)
Commissioed by Norsk Komponistforening.
World Premiere: Stavanger Konserthus, 21. September 1994
Performers: Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, Frøydis Armand, narrator, Conductor: Kjell Seim
"Initiation" for violin and orchestra (1992)
World Premiere: The Norwegian Academy of Music, Oslo, 23. April, 1993.
Performers: The Orchestra of The Norwegian Academy of Music, Peter Herresthal, violin, Conductor: Simon Streatfeild.
sheet music
listen
"Selene» for orchestra (1991-92)
World Premiere: Alice Tully Hall, New York, 23. March, 1992.
Performers: The Juilliard Orchestra, Conductor: Eduardo Browne
sheet music -
“Ibsenhusets Jubileumsvignett” for orchestra / wind orchestra (2023)
World Premiere - Wind Orchestra: Ibsenhuset, Skien, 13. September, 2023.
Performers: Musikkforeningen Suoni, Conductor: Øyvind Strand,
World Premiere - Orchestra: Ibsenhuset, Skien, 30. september 2023
Performers: Telemark Symphony Orchestra, Conductor: Tania Carita Ikonen
“Leonardo’s Flight” Concertino for flute and symphonic wind orchestra (2021)
Commissioned by Den Kongelige Norske Marines musikkorps. World Premiere: Bakkenteigen Kulturhus, Horten, 6. January 2023
Performers: Marinemusikken, Maiken Mathiesen Schau, flute, Conductor: Bjørn Sagstad.
Norsk Musikkforlag
“En gammeldags juleaften” (An Old Fashioned Christmas Eve) Suite for Symphonic Band (2020-22)
World Premiere: Horten Church, 9. December, 2023.
Performers: Marinemusikken, Isa Katharine Gericke, narrator, Conductor: Lars Thomas Holm
sheet music
“Fanfare and Toccata” for symphonic wind orchestra (2019)
Commissioned by Den Kongelige Norske Marines musikkorps. World Premiere: Bølgen Kulturhus, Larvik, 24. January 2020
Performers: Marinemusikken, Conductor: Christian Eggen.
sheet music
“Ocean Waves” for symphonic wind orchestra (2018-19)
Commissioend by Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra / Bølgen Kulturhus. World Premiere: Oslo Concert Hall, 14. November 2019
Performers: Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Conductor: Eivind Gullberg Jensen.
Norsk Musikkforlag
"Symphonic Dances" (2013-14) for symphonic wind band. Based on folk tunes from the Stavanger area. Commisioned by Stavanger Symphony Orchestra.. Version for symphonic band – transcribed by Scott Ninmer, 2023.
sheet music
Recording orchestra version
"Initiation" for violin and wind band (1992/2009)
Version for Symphonic Band 2009.
World Premiere: Marinemusikken, Peter Herresthal, Violin.
Norsk Musikkforlag -
"Kinamand"(Chinaman) (2005)
Music for the film. Directed by Henrik Ruben Genz. Fine & Mellow, Nordisk Film A/S, Denmark, 2005.
listen
trailer
Music for documentaries, collaboration with Film og TV akademiet, Høgskolen i Lillehammer, 2013- 14:
”Hurpeslottet” (Directed by Liv Irèn Bratterud)
listen
”Six Degrees” (Directed by Trond Kvig Andreassen)
watch
”Gyllent søppel” (Regi: Lars Sandbakken).
Playlist with some of Gisle Kverndokk’s film music
Musikk til teater og danseforestillinger:
“William i lyst og last” – Shakespeare’s Sonets.
Det Norske Teatret, 2014. Director: Ola B. Johannessen
listen
“Blood Wedding”, (Garcia Lorca)
Christiania Teater, NISS, 2011. Director: Aksel-Otto Bull
listen
“I sitt eget selskap”- Dance Theatre
Asker Kulturhus, 2010. Choreography: Torgunn Wold Platzack
listen
”Antigone” (Sofokles)
NISS, 2009. Director: Bente Lavik.
”Alice!” (Lewis Carrol/Bull)
NISS, 2008. Director: Aksel-Otto Bull.
”As you like it” (Shakespeare)
Det Norske Teatret, 2000. Director: Svein Sturla Hungnes.
sheet music
song cycle - sheet music
“Caligula” (Camus)
Det Norske Teatret, 1999. Director: Svein Sturla Hungnes.
”Tusen år og like blid” – revue
Det Norske Teatret, 1999. Director: Ivar Tindberg.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Shakespeare)
Riksteateret, 1996. Director: Svein Sturla Hungnes.
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (Hungnes)
Victoria Teater, 1995, Director: Svein Sturla Hungnes.
”Hva for en ny tid skulle nå det være?” – Dance Theatre
Scenehuset, Oslo, 1995. Choreography: Snelle Hall and Siri Jøntvedt
”Somme kjerringer er slike” – Dance Theatre
Black Box Teater, Oslo, 1993. Choreography: Snelle Hall and Siri Jøntvedt
”Vandring” – Dance Theatre
Statens Balletthøgskole, 1993. Choreography: Ingunn Rimestad
sheet music -
5 Songs - inspired by “Babette’s Feast” - lyrics by Øystein Wiik. (2024)
Commissioned by New York Opera Society.
World Premiere: The National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, 10. November 2024. Colleen Daly, soprano, Norman Shankle, tenor, Joy Schreier, piano.
sheet music«Syngende natt» - Norske kjærlighetsvalser og en tango(Norwegian Love Waltzes and a Tango) (2023)
For Vocal Quartet and piano 4-hands , Poems by Harald Sverdrup
World Premiere: Oslo Concert House, 13. September 2023
Performers: Isa Katharine Gericke, soprano, Melis Jaatinen, mezzo, Torbjørn Gulbrandsøy, tenor, Halvor Melien, barutone, Thormod Rønning Kvam, Juho Alakärppä, piano.
sheet music“Insomnia” for voice and piano (2023)
Poem by Efrén Rebolledo, translated by Torgeir Rebolledo Pedersen
World Premiere: Litteraturhuset, Oslo, 2. November 2023.
Performers: Itziar Martinez Galdos, soprano, Per Arne Frandzen, piano
«3 Songs for Mezzosoprano, Baritone and piano» (2022)Poems by Karin Boye, Edith Södergran and Harry Blomberg
World Premiere: Asker Kulturhus, 23. October, 2022.
Performers: Melis Jaatinen, mezzo, Halvor Melien, baritone, Juho Alakärppä, piano.
sheet music«Sanger om høst og vinter» (Songs about autumn and winter) for baritone and piano (2021)
Nordic Song Cycle, with poems by Nordic Poets.
World Premiere: Nordic Song Festival, Trollhättan, Sweden, 14. August, 2021. Performers: Olle Persson, baritone, Mats Jansson, piano.
sheet music
listen«Nordiske sanger» (Nordic Songs) for soprano and piano (2021)
Poems by Nordic Poets.
sheet music«Yellow Sands» - Songs for Ariel for counter tenor, recorder, bass theorbe and gambe (2021)
World Premiere: Sentralen, Oslo, 9. February -2022
Performer: Daniel Sæter, counter tenor, Caroline Eidsten Dahl, recorder, Vegar Lund, bass theory, André Lislevand, gambe.
sheet musicVersion for Counter Tenor and Piano (2024)
sheet music«Four Sad Songs» for soprano and piano (2020)
Poems by Emily Brönte.World Premiere: Nordic Song Festival, Bogstad Gård, 9. August, 2020.
Performers: Eir Inderhaug, soprano, Bernhard Greter, piano.
sheet music
listen“Melodier” (2019) 3 songs to poems by Sigbjørn Obstfelder, for tenor and piano.
Commissioned by Marius Roth Christensen.
sheet musicVersion for baritone and piano
sheet music
listen“Ruth Maier in Memoriam” for mezzo soprano and piano (2014 – 2018)
8 songs from “Ruth Maier’s Diary”. Texts by Ruth Maier and Gunvor Hofmo, translated by av Jan Erik Vold, edited by Aksel-Otto Bull and Gisle Kverndokk.
World Premiere: Vigelandmuséet, Oslo, 16. August, 2020.
Performers: Birgitte Christensen, soprano, John Lidal, piano.
sheet music - Norwegian version
sheet music - English version
listen“Likevel er du her” for voice and piano (2016)
Poem by Liv HoltskogCommissioned by Josefine Viseklubb
World Premiere: Josefine Viseklubb, Oslo, November 2016.
Performers: Liv Unni Larsson Undall, mezzo and Gisle Kverndokk, piano.
sheet music
listen“Så kort ein sommar menneska har” for voice and klaver (2016)
Poem by Liv HoltskogCommissioned by Josefine Viseklubb
World Premiere: Josefine Viseklubb, Oslo, November 2016.
Performers: Liv Unni Larsson Undall, mezzo and Gisle Kverndokk, piano.
sheet music
listen”Kjemi - O, hvor er den bølgende strøm?” for baritone and piano (2015)
Poem by Sigbjørn Obstfelder, text fragments by Edvard Munch
Commissioned by The University of Oslo for the project "Munch and new music"
World Premiere: Universitetets Aula, Oslo, 19. September 2016
Performers: Yngve Søberg, baritone, Håvard Gimse, piano.
sheet music
listen“Shakespeare Sonnets” for mezzosoprano and piano (2013-17)
Text: William Shakespeare: Sonnets no. 18, 3, 9, 128, 129, 23, 33, 144.
Recorded by Marianne Beate Kielland and Nils Mortensen. LAWO 2021.
sheet music
listen”O Comfort-Killing Night” Concert aria for mezzo soprano, basset horn, string quartet and harpsichord (2009-2010, rev. 2018)
Based on "The Rape of Lucretia" by William Shakespeare
Commissioned by Ebba Ryhd.
World Premiere: Larvik Barokk 8. September, 2018
Performers: Ebba Ryhd, mezzo soprano, Lorenzo Coppola, basset horn and Ensemble Paulus Barokk.
sheet music”Duo Brilliante” for 2 sopranos and string orchestra (2008)
Based on Act 1, scene 1; Helena, Hermia from "A Midsummer Nights's Dream" by William Shakespeare
Commisioned by Stavanger 2008. World Premiere: Stavanger Concert House, 12. January 2008
Performers: Eir Inderhaug and Vibeke Kristensen, sopranos, Ensemble Bjergsted, Conductor: Jan Bjøranger.
sheet music”Ave Verum” for mezzosoprano and piano (2008)
World Premiere: Den Norske Opera og Ballett, 2009.
Performers: Hege Høisæter, mezzo and Thorild Fimreite, piano
sheet music
listenVersion for mezzosoprano and organ. (2008-2018)
”Regnsang” (Rain Song) for soprano, violin, cello and piano.
Text: Håvard Rem (2008)Commissioned by Flygelkomitéen, Telemarksgalleriet, Notodden. World Premiere: Telemarksgalleriet, Notodden, 2008.
Performers: Camilla Jonstang, soprano, Sara Övinge, violin, Frida Frederikke Waaler Wærvågen, cello, Natalia Papova, piano.
sheet music”2 Sanger til dikt av Magli Elster for sopran og klaver ” (2005)
Poems by Magli Elster.Commissioned by Norges Musikkhøgskole, for the project "Sangbok 2000".
World Premiere: Norges Musikkhøgskole, 25. January 2006, Performer: Jorun Torsheim, soprano.
sheet music”6 Haiku sanger” for mezzo soprano, baritone and piano (2005)
Text (Japanese/Norwegian): Haiku, translated by Paal Helge Haugen
World Premiere: The Japanese Embassy, Oslo, 15. September 2005, Frode Olsen, baritone, Yayoi K. Olsen, mezzo, Yoko Toda, piano.
sheet music
listen”Hundre år i hus og hytte” - Norsk romanse i anledning Norges 100-års jubileum. (2005)
For mezzo soprano and piano. Lyrics: Karoline G. Herlofsen and Siri Davik FredhallWorld Premiere: Barrat Dues Musikkinstitutt, Oslo, 24. September 2005
Performer: Marit Osnes Aambøe
sheet music”Ord over grind” for voice and flute. Version for voice and 2 flutes. (2003)
Poem by Haldis Moren Vesaas.World Premiere: Det Norske Teatret, 2003.
Performers: Tone Ringen, mezzo, Gisle Kverndokk, flute.
sheet music - version 1
sheet music - version 2Songs from "As you like it"
Text by William Shakespeare (2000)Solo voices, choir, recorder, clarinet/saxophone/bass clarinet, guitar, percussion.
World Premiere: Det Norske Teatret, Oslo 2000.
sheet music”Hälfte des Lebens” Für Altstimme und Klavier (1994)
Text: Friedrich Hölderlin.
World Premiere: Banff Centre for the Arts, Canada, 1994.
Performers: Ariane Prüssner, alto, Gisle Kverndokk, piano.
sheet music
listen”Aria : Variasjoner over en folketone fra Gudbrandsdalen” for bartone, organ and fiddle (1994)
Text from The Bible; Song of Songs, Siddharta by Herman Hesse
World Premiere: Lindemansalen, The Norwegian Academy of Music, Oslo, 12. November 1994
Performers: Ole Hermod Henriksen, baritone, Åshild B. Nyhus, fiddle, Lars N. Birkeland, organ.
sheet music“Februarsmil” for soprano and piano. (1990)
Poem by Siri KverndokkWorld Premiere: Chateau Neuf, Oslo, 1990.
Performers: Siri Kverndokk, soprano, Gisle Kverndokk, piano
sheet music”Draum” for baritone and harpsichord (piano) (1988)
Poem by Liv Holtskog
World Premiere: Seljord Kyrkje, 26. July 1991
Performers: Ståle Ytterli, baritone, Gisle Kverndokk, piano
sheet music”Sanger til dikt av Liv Holtskog ” for voice and piano (1987)
Vere ekko. Ny vår. I djunke med ein lisens . Før morgongryet kallar eg på deg. Usikker kjærleik . Gut ved elva Li. Dei blå kjeldene. Vise. Enno eig med lengsle. Synsk jord. Tru. Song. Landet utan språk
World Premiere: Det Norske Teatret, Oslo, 14. February 1987 and 13. February 1988, Astrid Holtskog, Aina Oldeide, voice. Gisle Kverndokk, piano.
sheet music
listen (Vise)
listen (Song)”Speglar me oss av”– Song Cycle for mezzo soprano, flute, clarinet, percussion, piano, cello (1987)
Text: Liv Holtskog.
World Premiere: Ålesund musikkfestival, 15. June 1987.
Performers: Siri Torjesen, mezzo, students at The Norwegian Academy of Music, Conductor: Gisle Kverndokk sheet music