Oscar Borg

March Of The North Pole

March of the North Pole was composed in 1896. It was dedicated to Fridtjof Nansen and his companions on their expedition to the North Pole.

Oscar Alfred Johannesen Borg
sometimes called the March King of Norway, was born in Fredrikshald in 1851, the towns name has since been changed to Halden. Living in a nation where military music has played an importent role for centuries, and where his own father and grandfather had been member of the local Brigade Band, Oscar Borg joined the same group at the age of thirteen. His rapid progress was observed by many, including the crown prince (later King Oscar II), who offered to finance the young musician's education at the Stockholm Music Conservatory if he agreed to return to Fredrikshald after finishing his studies.
After returning to his home town in 1872, he became director of the military band and thus began honoring his agreement with the king. His contract called for five years of service, but he remained in the same position for forty years. He also conducted choirs and orchestras in the area, and his music become widely known.
Borg retired as a first lieutenant in 1918 after a military career of over fifty years. After his death in 1930 the people of Halden had a sculpture erected in his memory.