Collection: Lund-Skabo, Signe

Signe Lund-Skabo (1868-1950), Norwegian pianist and composer, studied with teachers in Norway, Copenhagen, Berlin, Paris and Vienna, wrote orchestral and chamber music and a large number of piano pieces and songs.

Growing up in stimulating environments, surrounded by prominent musicians, authors and artists, she was at an early age encouraged by Edvard Grieg, but successes came at a price. Pursuing a career as composer was not easy for women of her background, and her autobiography in two volumes is an interesting account of a life out of the ordinary.

She lived in USA 1902-1925, engaged strongly in social affairs and women's issues, and never missed an opportunity to promote her homeland. (In 1905 Norway was for the first time since the 14th century again an independent nation.)

Her Op.15 was originally composed for the piano and dedicated to Edvard Grieg. The arrangement for mandolin orchestra was made for performance at the tenth edition of Lund-dagene in Farsund, a small festival focusing on the revival Signe Lund’s music.