Johan Svendsen Romance for Cello and Strings Johan Svendsen String Octet Jonathan Aasgaard - cello/director Soloists From The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra A rare opportunity to hear Svendsen’s Octet, written when he was a student. Its 1866 premiere in Leipzig was a triumph, leading to prizes and immediate fame, with critics praising his use of Norwegian melody and bold harmonies.