Kjell Habbestad (b. 1955, Bremnes on Bømlo) is a professor emeritus of music theory and composition at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo. He was trained in church music and composition (1975–81) at the same institution. His catalogue of works, which today numbers 120 opuses, includes dramatic works (operas, oratorios), orchestral works, solo concertos, chamber works for various ensembles, vocal works, works for organ and piano, and a great number of choral works and motets.
Tatyana — Portrait of a Woman, Clarinet Concerto, Op. 99 (30:00) 2019
Clarinet and Orchestra
Concerto for Oboe and Orchestra, Op. 89 (30:30) 2012
Munch Suite, Op. 53 (22:00) 1998/2002
Flute, Harp, and String Orchestra
Un rêve Norvégien
Concerto for Alto-Saxophone and Orchestra (or Symphonic Band), Op 65 (20:00) 2002
Olokun, an Orchestral Song, Op. 39 (5:00) 1994
Soprano and Orchestra
Etwas Neues unter der Sonnen! Op 13b (19:00) 2000
Concrto for Hardanger Fiddle and Symphonic band
Mostrasuite / Moster Suite, Op. 9/15/106 (30:00) 1986/2024
Orchestral Suite from the music to the historical pageant «The Christ-Kings at Moster»
Soprano, Mezzosoprano, 2 Baritones, Bass, Choir (TB), Orchestra
Ave Maria, Op. 11 (20:00) 1984
Concert for Organ and String Orchestra, Gregorian Choir (TB)
Lament, an Orchestral Song, Op. 6 (13:00) 1981
Soprano Solo, Orchestra
Scherzando sul peccato originale, Op. 118 (7:00) 2026
Un poema sinfonico su Syndefall (caduta nel peccato) di André Bjerke
for String Septet; 2 Violins, 2 Violas, 3 Cellos
Preghiera per la pace, Op. 115 (7:55) 2025
for Trumpet Solo
Da pacem, Op. 111 (9:20) 2025
for Trumpet and Organ
Romanorvegia, Op. 109, based on Romanian and Norwegian folk tunes (15:00) 2024
for Violin Solo and String Orchestra
Shirabe, Op. 108 (13:00) 2024
for Viola and two Harps
Silhouette a Deux, Op. 102, (12:40) 2022
for Violin and Cello
O magnum mysterium, Op. 101 (11:30) 2020
for Harp
Tres flores, Op. 97 (17:00) 2019
For Viola, Tenor Saxophone, and Piano
BosNOREGia, Op. 95, based on Bosnian and Norwegian Folk Tunes (37:30) 2016
for Accordion and String Quartet
String Quartet No. 2, Op. 91 (24:30) 2013
String Quartet
Divertimento for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 86 (12:00) 2010
Clarinet and Piano
Air d'été suédois, Op. 85 (15:00) 2009
Clarinet and String Quartet
Griegorienne, Op. 80 (12:00) 2007
for Flute, Violin, Cello, and Piano
Exaudi, Op. 77 (14:00) 2005
for Viola and Organ
Angeli — XVIII imagines angelorum Antiqui et Novi Testamenti, Op. 63 (60:00) 2001
for Flute, Violin, Cello, and Piano
Orpheus, Op. 34 (34:00) 1993
for Flute and Piano
String Quartet — Quattro Stazioni, Op. 21 (20:00) 1989
String Quartet
Morovers / Fun Verses, Op. 117, (60:00) 2026
A Suite based on André Bjerke's Morovers
for seven Singers (SSSSATB), Flute, String Quartet, Percussion, and Piano
Fred for fjern og nær / Peace, Far and Near, Op. 114, (30:00) 2025
With poems by Arnold Eidslott and peace quotations from around the world
For Recitation, Vocal Trio (SSA), Trumpet, and Cello
The Temptations of Veslemøy, Op. 113 (60:00) 2025
Song cycle for Soprano, Alto and Baritone Soloists, Oboe, Piano and Double Bass.
Lyrics: From Arne Garborg’s «Haugtussa» (1895). Translations: William H. Halverson.
I lofte’ søve’ mi jomfru, «In the Loft My Maiden Sleeps», Op. 105, (45:00) 2024
Three medieval ballads for seven children voices,
Violin, Viola, Cello, Percussion, and Piano
Det er den draumen / It is That Dream, Op. 94 (8:00) 2015
text: Olav H. Hauge / William H. Halverson
for Soprano, Flute, Violin, Cello, and Piano
De tre / The Three, Op. 83 (17:00) 2008
Text: Henrik Wergeland. Flute/Alto Flute, Violin, Cello, and Tape
Så stort, så stilt / Shizukesa ya, Op. 52 (10 min) 1997
for Baritone Solo, Violin, and Piano four hands
ilLUXit, Op. 23 (10 min) 1989
for Trumpet, Baritone, and Organ
And I John (20 min) (Op. 17) 1987
for Baritone, and Organ
3 Høgsongar for låg røyst / 3 Songs of Songs (16 min) (Op. 12) (1984)
for Mezzo-Soprano, and String Quartet
The Cup of Life, Op. 116, (8:30) 2025
Poems from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam / Edward Fitzgerald
Tonar / Tunes, Op. 110 (5:00) 2025
text: Tore Skåli. For Soprano, Tenor and Piano
Look to this day, Op. 103, 2023
Kalidasa, Sanskrit dramatist, d. 420 A.D.
Seseljasongar / Seselja Songs (18:30) (Op. 96) (2018),
texts: Ruth Lillegraven (Urd) for Soprano and Guitar
Epitaf / Epitaph (Op. 75) (9 min) (2004),
text: Paal-Helge Haugen. For Baritone and Piano
Jenny — a tone painting (Op. 62) (18 min) (2001)
for Soprano solo, and Piano
14 Ibsensanger / 14 Ibsen Songs (36 min) (Op. 50) (1996)
for Baritone, and Piano
12 blad frå ein austleg hage / 12 Leaves from an Eastern Garden (6 min) (Op. 46) (1995)
for Soprano, Baritone, and Piano
Nunc dimittis (Simeons lovsong/Simeona lávlla), Op. 120 (6:40) 2026
for Baritone Solo, Choir (SATB) and Organ
Spring Day Op. 112, 2025
from The Four Seasons (Haugtussa) for mixed choir
3 Vaage-songar / Three Vaage Songs, Op 104, 2023
texts by Ragnvald Vaage for mixed Choir a cappella
Kva er då eit menneske / What Then Is Man Op. 93 (18:30) 2015
for Choir (SATB) and Solo Quartet (SATB)
Nordhave / North Sea (Op. 81) (2007), text: Arne Garborg
for Choir (SATB)
Guds Søn har gjort mig fri / God's Son Has Set Me Free (Op. 72) (2004)
Mixed choir SATB
Psalmi (Op. 70) (2003):
I Ego Clamavi (Op. 56), II Cantate Domino (Op. 70) and III Iubilate Deo (Op. 68)
Choir (SATB)
Voluspá / The Prophecy/Sayings of the Völva (15 min) (Op. 67) (2003),
Mixed choir (SSAATTBB)
Den fagraste rosa / The Fairest Rose (Op. 60) (14 min) (2000)
Traditional Norwegian Singer, Tenor and Baritone Solo, Choir (SATB)
Havet / The Sea (Op. 59) (12 min) (2000)
texts by Kolbein Falkeid. Mixed choir (SATB)
Hymni & sequentiae — seven Latin male-choir pieces (Op. 48) (13 min) (1994–96)
Choir (TTBB)
Stabat Mater dolorosa (Op. 40) (7'30) (1994)
Vocal Quartet (Contralto, two Tenors and Bass) and Male Choir (TTBB)
Sju vindar / Seven Winds (Op. 27) (15 min) (1991)
Texts: Olav H Hauge. Girls' choir (SSAA)
Kverni / The Mill (Op. 26) (9 min) (1990)
Texts: Olav H Hauge. Male choir (TTBB)
Apal / Apple Tree (Op. 25) (23 min) (1990)
Texts: Olav H Hauge. Mixed choir (SATB)
Nox Praecessit (Op. 19) (12 min) (1987)
Choir (SATB) a cappella
Om de sidste Ting / On the Last Things (Op. 2) (30 min) (1979)
SATB, Trumpet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Flute, Piano, Bass, and Percussion
3 Cantica, Op. 1:
Magnificat (Op. 1a) (12 min) (1978)
2 soprano soloists, SSAATTBB, organ, double bass
Nunc Dimittis (Op. 1b) (10 min) (1979)
Baritone solo, SSAT/ATBB, organ
Benedictus Dominus (Op. 1c) (15 min) (1983)
Tenor solo, SATB, organ
Eolsharpa / The Aeolian Harp (Op. 90) (2012) (32:30),
texts: Jakob Sande. For Vocal sextet, Harp and Strings
Das Lied von der Glocke / The Song of the Bell (Op. 74) (2004),
text: Friedrich Schiller. For Choir (TTBB/SATB), Soprano and Baritone soloists,
Percussion, Strings, and Organ
Kyst / Coast, a Cantata (Op. 66) (38 min) (2003)
Text: Paal-Helge Haugen. Narrator, choir (SATB), soloists (SATB), and String Quartet
Reise / Journey — a Church Cantata (Op. 49) (60 min)
Text: Paal-Helge Haugen
Soprano and baritone solo, choir, children's choir, flute, violin, cello, organ
Ave maris stella (Op. 100) (12:00) (2019)
Gaudeamus (omnes in Domino) (Op. 79) (9 min) (2007)
A solis ortus cardine (Op. 78) (7 min) (2006)
Allmakts Gud og kjærleiks Fader / Almighty God and Father of Love
(Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme) (05:22) (2005)
Fanfare og Blues / Fanfare and Blues (Op. 57) (12 min) (1999)
Høyr kor kyrkjeklokka lokkar / Hear How the Church Bell Calls;
10 Organ Chorales, Op. 29 (25 min) (1976/92)
Orgelsuite / Organ Suite (Op. 22b) (23 min) (1989)
Introduction & Passacaglia (Op. 18) (16 min) (1987)
Karlstad 1905 — Et Blad i Civilisationens Historie /
Une page d'histoire de la civilisatio (Op. 82) (2007/16) (120 min)
12 Soloists, Flute, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Strings
Nenia — a Chamber Opera in memory of Fartein Valen (Op. 92) (75 min) (2014)
4 Soloists, Flute, Clarinet, Horn, and Strings
Greven av Monte Cristo / The Count of Monte Cristo — a musical in 3 acts (Op. 88) (112 min) (2011)
10 Soloists, 8 Speaking roles, Choir, Orchestra.
Adam og Eva/Adam and Eve — an Oratorio, Op. 84 (120 min) (2008),
text: Henrik Wergeland. 7 Soloists, Choir and Orchestra
The Maid of Norway — Opera in 2 acts (op. 58) (150 min) (2000)
12 Soloists, Orchestra
Hans Egedes Natt / Hans Egede’s Night— an Opera (op. 45) (75 min) (1995)
Soloists, Choir, Orchestra
Ei natt på jorda / A Night on Earth — an oratorio (op. 33) (100 min) (1993)
Baritone solo, Vocal Quartet (SATB), Choir, Orchestra
Mostraspelet/The Moster Pageant (op. 9) (60 min) (1983)
Theatre music. Baritone solo, Choir (TB), Orchestra,
Terje Vigen, a Melodrama (Op. 76) (65 min) (2005) (H. Ibsen / W. H. Halverson)
Flute, Violin, Cello, Piano, and Recitation
Saa rider vi med Præsten op til Omersdal /
So We Ride with the Priest up to Omersdal (70 min) (Op. 64) (2002)
Baritone Solo, Narrator, Flute, Violin, Cello, and Organ
Mysteriet / The Mystery — text: Arnold Eidslott (Op. 61) (60 min) (2001)
Narrator, Vocal Quartet (SSAA), Flute, Violin, Hardanger fiddle, 2 Cellos, Organ
Noahs draum / Noah’s Dream, Op. 35 (65 min) (1993)
Soprano, Baritone, Narrator, Jazz quartet: Saxophone, Keyboards, Percussion, Bass.
Yobel — a liturgical drama (Op. 22a) (30 min) (1989)
5 Acting Roles, Choir, Organ, Alto and Tenor Saxophone, Percussion, Guitar
Kar og kjerring / Man and Woman, a fable (Op. 20) (50 min) (1988)
Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Narrator (SSA ad lib.), jazz group (ad lib.)
Jabal (Op. 14) (45 min) (1985)
Tenor, Baritone, and Bass Soloists, SATB, Flute, Guitar,
2 Trumpets, 2 Trombones, Organ, Piano, and Percussion
Davidshytta / David's Hut (Op. 10) (35 min) (1984)
Tenor solo, Bass Solo, 2 Children’s Choirs (SSA/SSA),
Recorder, Flute, 2 Trumpets, Trombone, Guitar, Percussion, Organ
Jubal (Op. 4) (25 min) (1981)
Tenor Solo, Bass solo, SATB, 2 Trumpets, 2 Trombones, Harp, Percussion, and Organ
Ikkje av brød åleine / Not by Bread Alone (Op. 32) (33 min) (1992)
Choir (SATB), Soprano, Boy Soprano and Alto Solo,
Liturgist (Tenor), Organ, 2 Trumpets, Horn, 2 Trombones, 2 Actors, 1 Dancer
50 motettar i kyrkjeåret / 50 Motets for the Church Year
(See separate list)
SONGAR OM KJÆRLEIK / SONGS OF LOVE, LWC1268, 2024
Vocal, Piano, String Quartet, Percussion
MUNCH SUITE, (only digital) 2023
Flute, Harp and String Orchestra
QUATTRO STAZIONI, LWC1193, 2020
String Quartet, Clarinet, Piano
ET NOX IN DIEM VERSA, LWC1136, 2017
Choir
GAUDEAMUS, LWC1031, 2012
Organ
ANGELI, IDACD3, 2002
Flute, Violin, Cello, Piano
NOAHS DRAUM / NOAH’S DREAM, GRCD4156, 1998
Vocals, Saxophone, Keyboards, Bass, Percussion
EI NTT PÅ JORDA / A NIGHT ON EARTH — oratorio, HCD2911, 1995
Soloists, Choir, Orchestra (double CD)
MOSTRASPELET / THE MOSTER PAGEANT, HCD2912, 1995
Soloists, Choir, Orchestra
NEW MUSIC FOR TRUMPET #14, AZ2026, 2026
• Da pacem, Trumpet and Organ
• Preghiera per la pace, Trumpet Solo
AVE MARIS STELLA, EUCD122, 2023
• Ave Maris Stella, organ
TRIO BRAX, LWC1248, 2023
• Tres flores, Tenor Saxophone, Viola and Piano
SINGING OBOE, LWC1186, 2019
• Concerto for Oboe and Orchestra
NORWEGIN SAXOPHONE, LWC1162, 2018
• Un rêve norvégien, Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra
AKROSTIKON, ACD5091, 2018
• Ave Maria, Concerto for Organ and String Orchestra
SOMETHING NEW, LWC1076, 2014
• Hymni et Sequentiae, Male Choir
ETWAS NEUES UNTER DER SONNEN, SONCD9002, 2002
• Etwas Neues unter der Sonnen, Concerto for Hardanger Fiddle and Symphonic Band
DEN FAGRASTE ROSA, 2001 — Choir
• Den fagraste rosa / The Fairest Rose
• I mørkeste mørke / In Darkest Darkness
• Kling no, klokka! / Ring Now, O Bell!
• Mitt hjerte alltid vanker / My Heart Always Wanders
UPPSKOKA, IDACD2, 2001 — Flute, Violin, Cello, Piano
• Tiltrekning / Attraction
• All arrangements
ECHOES OF NORWAY, IDACD1, 1998 — flute, violin, cello, piano
• With a Water-lily
• Lamentation
• Høyr, kor kyrkjeklokka lokkar / Hear How the Church Bell Calls
• All arrangements
