Kjerulf, Halfdan (1815-1868)

Norwegian composer. He studied in Germany, and wrote a large number of songs that combine Norwegian folk tunes with German Romanticism.

At his father's wish, he studied law at Christiania (Oslo) University, but on the death of his father in 1840 he decided to devote himself to music. He taught, and published some songs even before he had done much in the way of theoretical study. In about 1850 he received a government grant to study at Leipzig, Germany, for a year, and on his return he tried to establish classical subscription concerts, with little success. He became a friend of Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, who wrote many poems especially for him to set.

Works choruses and quartets for male voices; piano pieces; over 100 songs.