Quotes
Vidar Kristensen’s music is never overly complicated; it is so well structured, the musical content is always there, and it feels genuinely good to play.
– Yejin Gil, concert pianist
Through his beautiful, powerful, and often mysterious compositions, Vidar Kristensen opens the door to a truly unique musical universe. Here, the performer is invited to use their whole self in performance — playing, singing, whistling, creating rhythms, and telling musical stories.
– Povilas Syrrist-Gelgota, Singing Violist
It's always a pleasure to perform Vidar Kristensen's pieces. His music is deeply inspiring, and he has an excellent mastery of instrumentation. He knows how to highlight the unique character and expressiveness of each instrument in every musical context and ensemble.
– Isabella Stabio, saxophonist
Vidar Kristensen has gained true mastery in writing for the guitar. His compositional style includes a wide range of expressions, from the darkest and most sorrowful standstill moments to the explosive and driving bursts. While not a guitarist himself, his writing is idiomatic and his exploration of the instrument has resulted in compositions featuring unique colors, textures, and voicings. His solo and chamber works are wonderful additions to our repertoire, highlighting his personal aesthetics while challenging the performer to utilizing the instrument to its limits.”
– Espen Jensen, guitarist
Post tenebras lux is a very beautiful piece, with one of the most beautiful and peaceful endings I know. Listen for how the piano’s lovely rising chords, together with the very slow rhythm, lead us into a state of calmness and healing.
– Alexander Baillie, cellist
Vidar Kristensen’s Images is full of cool rhythms, beautiful melodies, and a vivid sense of musical movement. Even when the tempo is fast, it carries a feeling of peace and calm.
– Erik Haugan Aasland, Agder Camerata
Vidar Kristensen’s Sonata for Flute and Piano is driven by powerful rhythms, expressive dissonances, and a compelling forward momentum. His piano writing is always well crafted, and the piece is intense in the best possible way.
– Erik Haugan Aasland, pianist - Agder Camerata
Vidar Kristensen's compositions for singing violist are unique, expressive, and highly communicative.
– Povilas Syrrist-Gelgota, Singing Violist
A memorable part of the concert was Vidar Kristensen’s Song of the Mountain People. Although Norwegian music, the piece is inspired by Taiwanese folk songs and was performed by a Lithuanian violist at this International Viola Congress in Thailand — truly ‘music without borders’
– Kristofer Ganer Skaug, Dutch Viola Society
Vidar Kristensen’s North-West Monsoon, based on Taiwanese folk tunes, took me right back to my childhood in Pingtung, Southern Taiwan. It was deeply touching and brought back vivid images and memories.
– Audience member, - concert in Arendal, Norwegian woman who grew up in Taiwan
Vidar Kristensen’s music is so colorful and full of contrasts.
It is so strong and strikes directly, in a good way
– Audience member, after listening to a performance of “Undulation for String Quartet
Selected Works
