[Thor Joachim Haga]

I sometimes think about who is the “greatest” living composer within each Nordic country. Of course, what ‘greatest’ means is in the eye of the beholder. But some international exposure is needed for my parameters, I think.

NORWAY — no doubt, the greatest living legends of Norwegian film music are Bøhren & Åserud. But they never had much exposure outside Norway, and they’ve not been very active in the last 20 years. I’m tempted to choose Knut Avenstroup Haugen — based on the immense success of his videogames scores, especially AGE OF CONAN. But soon also a new DUNE game.

DENMARK — Per Nørgård is still alive, age 92, and probably the greatest composer living in Denmark at the moment, but he only did a few scores. Again, I’m tempted to go to videogames and choose Jesper Kyd. He’s a big shot in that industry.

ICELAND — after the passing of Jóhann Jóhannsson, there’s no doubt that the greatest living Icelandic film composer is his protegée, Hildur Gudnadottir. No offense to Atli Örvarsson, Olafur Arnalds and others.

FINLAND — this is tricky. There was a time I would say Tuomas Kantelinen, but these days I’m more tempted to choose Panu Aaltio.

SWEDEN — this is easy. Johan Söderqvist continues to dominate throughout the Nordic countries (he also does lots of Norwegian films). He’s probably the greatest in the Nordic countries right now, after the death of Jóhannsson.