Bjarne Brustad

Bjarne Brustad (born March 4, 1912, Oslo, Norway; died January 20, 1989, Oslo) was a Norwegian composer, violinist, and violist. He is considered one of Norway's most significant composers of the 20th century.

Brustad studied violin with Gustav Frølich and composition with Anton Andersen at the Oslo Conservatory of Music. He later studied in Paris with Jean Rivier. As a performer, he was primarily a violinist and violist, playing in the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Norwegian Radio Orchestra.

Brustad's compositions are characterized by a neo-classical style, often incorporating elements of Norwegian folk music. His works encompass a wide range of genres, including orchestral works, concertos, chamber music, and vocal music. Notable compositions include his Violin Concerto No. 1, Concertino for Clarinet and String Orchestra, and the Fantasia on Norwegian Folk Tunes for violin and orchestra. He received several awards for his work, including the Norwegian Critics Prize for Music. His music is known for its melodic inventiveness, rhythmic vitality, and skillful orchestration.