Fartein Valen

Norwegian composer Fartein Valen (1887-1952).
Also a musical theorist. He was notable for his work within atonal polyphonic music. Valen was born into a deeply Christian religious family and maintained his religious beliefs all his life. His parents were missionaries, and he spent five years of his childhood in Madagascar. In addition to his aptitude for music, he was also a polyglot, mastering at least nine languages. He earned his examen artium with the highest grades in all subjects except mathematics.