Composer Ståle Kleiberg Debuts New Orchestral Work ‘Across the Ocean towards a Higher Firmament’
Renowned Norwegian composer Ståle Kleiberg has returned with a compelling new orchestral project, ‘Across the Ocean towards a Higher Firmament’. Recorded in partnership with the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and led by conductor Peter Szilvay, the album serves as a poignant examination of historical memory and the complexities of human identity. This latest offering highlights Kleiberg’s continued dedication to creating works that balance academic rigor with deep emotional sincerity, solidifying his role as a prominent figure in the contemporary classical landscape.
The centerpiece of this release is Kleiberg’s Symphony No. 3, ‘Across the Ocean towards a Higher Firmament’. This significant work was commissioned by the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and received its premiere under the baton of Szilvay in April 2025. Created as a contribution to Norway’s National Jubilee 2030, the symphony is specifically themed around the historical mass migration of Norwegians to North America during the 19th and 20th centuries. Across its three movements, the composition traces an arc from the initial longing of departure through the turbulence of the journey, finally settling into a hymn-like conclusion that encapsulates the hopes and resilience of those seeking new beginnings.
Complementing the symphony are two other essential pieces that showcase the breadth of Kleiberg’s creative output. The album opens with ‘Lamento – Cissi Klein in memoriam’ (2001), a moving tribute to a young Jewish girl from Trondheim who was killed during the Second World War. This piece is a vital component of Kleiberg’s trilogy addressing Nazi persecution, joining his Requiem and cello concerto ‘Dopo’. The program also features ‘The Town and its People’ (2022), demonstrating the composer’s masterful transition from intimate, chamber-focused textures to sweeping, epic orchestrations. Through these interconnected works, Kleiberg presents a cohesive narrative on the themes of history and belonging.
