The First Nowell (1988)

Jan Elgarøy (1930–2018) — The First Nowell (1988) for organ

Norwegian composer and organist Jan Elgarøy (1930–2018) was born in Moss and was educated at the Conservatory in Oslo. He pursued additional studies with Albert de Klerk (in Haarlem) and Bedřich Janáček (in Lund). Elgarøy was organist of Lambertseter Church in Oslo from 1960 to 1992. He was also the organ professor at the University of Oslo. As a composer, Elgarøy wrote primarily for organ and choir. He served as the editor for the “Norsk Orgelbok” (Musikk-Husets Forlag A/S), a collection of organ works by many Norwegian composers. Elgarøy’s music is cast in a strongly modal style, including a use of modal mixture for expressive effect.

Published by Musikk-Husets Forlag A/S in “Two Christmas Preludes”