1. Olav Fartein Valen was a Norwegian composer, notable for his work in atonal polyphonic music.
10 Facts About Fartein Valen
1. 2.
Fartein Valen developed a polyphony similar to Bach's counterpoint, but based on motivic working and dissonance rather than harmonic progression.
3.
Fartein Valen's parents were missionaries, and he spent five years of his childhood in Madagascar.
4.
Fartein Valen earned his examen artium with the highest grades in all subjects except mathematics.
5.
Fartein Valen loved cats, nature and literature, cultivated roses, and after losing them in a devastating freeze took up growing cacti.
6.
In 1906, Fartein Valen moved to Kristiania to study Norwegian literature and language but took classes with Catharinus Elling at the Oslo Conservatory of Music, graduating with a degree in organ playing.
7.
Fartein Valen's work became more controversial among many conservative critics, much to Valen's disappointment.
8.
Fartein Valen quit teaching and moved back to Sunnhordland into the care of his sister and began to compose full-time.
9.
The Fartein Valen Prize is a Norwegian music award in memory of the composer.
10.
The Fartein Valen Scholarship is an associated Norwegian music scholarship.