HJALMAR BORGSTRØM (1864-1925): Thora of Rimol, Op. 7.

Description: Grove Opera doesn't even have a listing for this Norwegian composer (the old Grove has him but lists no operas) who, advocating the music of Berlioz, Liszt and Wagner at a time when Norway only wanted to hear Norwegian National Romanticism, was treated shabbily by his own people. Then, after World War I, his conservative, Germanic brand of Romanticism was further impetus to consign him to oblivion in the torrent of anti-German postwar feeling. But this is a gorgeous opera, full of attractive melody, using memorable leitmotif-style themes for its main characters and colorfully orchestrated. Dating from 1894, it did not have its premiere until six years ago at the same time this recording (never offered in the U.S.) was made. 2 CDs. Norwegian-English libretto. Randi Stene (mezzo), Harald Bjørkøy (tenor), Trond Halstein Moe (baritone), Oddbjørn Tennfjord (bass-baritone), TrønderOpera Chorus, Trondheim Symphony Orchestra; Terje Boye Hansen.