Scandinavian Choral Music

On this CD:

1. I himmelen, i himmelen
Composed by Jan Haaken Aaberg

2. Säg mig den vägen
Composed by Otto Olsson

3. Det blir något i himlen för barnen att få
Composed by Karl-Erik Svedlund

4. Laudi
Composed by Ingvar Lidholm

5. Madrigals (3) of Torquato Tasso for chorus, Op.13
Composed by Bernhard Lewkovitch

Conducted by Per Enevold

6. Midsommersang
Composed by Svend S. Schultz

Conducted by Per Enevold

7. Denmark Revisited
Composed by Svend S. Schultz

Conducted by Per Enevold

8. Fjorden
Composed by Knud Jeppesen

Conducted by Per Enevold

9. Snevind
Composed by Knudage Riisager

Conducted by Per Enevold

10. Tidligt forår
Composed by Bernhard Lewkovitch

Conducted by Per Enevold

11. Kærlighedsrosen
Composed by Jorgen Jersild

Conducted by Per Enevold

12. Angeliga Sånger
Composed by August Soderman

Tracks:

Samson: Awake the Trumpet's Lofty Sound
Judas Maccabaeus: See, The Conqu'ring Hero Comes!
Judas Maccabaeus: Sing Unto God
Messiah: For Unto Us a Child Is Born
Samson: Let Their Celestial Concerts All Unite
Saul: Welcome, Welcome Mighty King/David His Ten Thousands Slew
Zadok the Priest: Coronation Anthem No.1
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
Xerxes: Largo: Holy Art Thou
Saul: How Excellent Thy Name
Judas Maccabaeus: Hallelujah, Amen
Israel in Egypt: But as for His People
Israel in Egypt: Sing Ye to the Lord

Grieg: Olav Trygason; Orchestral Songs [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Grieg: Olav Trygason; Orchestral Songs [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Bis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Scandinavian Languages | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Nielsen, Aho: Clarinet Concertos [Hybrid SACD]
Taneyev: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3
The Queen
Pan's Labyrinth (New Line Two-Disc Platinum Series)

ASIN: B000M4REYY
Release Date: 2007-01-30

James Bowman ~ Handel English Arias / The King's Consort · King

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan
a must for Handel devotees

James Bowman ~ Handel English Arias / The King's Consort · King
George Frideric Handel , Robert King , The King's Consort , James Bowman , and Susan Gritton
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Scandinavian Languages | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000002ZW7
Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

The Choice Of Hercules: Yet Can I Hear That Dulcet Lay
Esther: How Can I Stay, When Love Invites
Saul: O Fairest Of Ten Thousand Fair
Belshazzar: Great God! Who, Yet But Darkly Known
Theodora: The Raptur'd Soul
Judas Maccabaeus: Father Of Heav'n
Overture To Ester: Andante, Larghetto, Allegro
Saul: O Lord, Whose Mercies Numberless
Solomon: What Though I Trace Each Herb
Belshazzar: Martial Symphony And Destructive War
Solomon: Welcome As tThe Dawn Of Day
Theodora: Kind Heaven, If Virtue Be Thy Care
Solomon: Almighty Pow'r
Haman and Mordecai: Tune Your Harps

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-02-04

Of George Frederick Handel(1685-1759) of England, born Georg Friedrich Handel of Germany, an English critic wrote, "He did bestride our musical world like a Colossus." The English passion for the oratorio is largely due to Handel, who was forced to find a new style of music with which to rekindle the interest of the public. For twenty years he had been presenting operas in London, but the last seasons had been increasingly unsuccessful as audiences took against attending staged works in Italian. The prior success of 'Esther' had launched 'oratorio' in London, and set Handel on a compositional path which was to prove his principal sphere of work for the rest of his life.
Handel's oratorios, more dramatic than any previously written, were like operas,save that they were given without scenery and costumes. Moreover, the variety of moods, the quality of the melodies and the composer's unique use of the colours of the orchestra makes the whole work marvellously attractive.
This disc contains an excellent variety of tunes from the various oratorios. Most are vocal in nature, but there are 2 that are strictly instrumental: Overture to 'Esther' in 3 movements and 'Martial Symphony and Destructive Was' from 'Solomon'. I particularly enjoyed the 2 duets with Susan Gritton (soprano) and James Bowman (countertenor): 'O fairest of 10,000 Fair' from 'Saul' and 'Welcome as the dawn of day' from 'Solomon'.
James Bowman does his usual correct interpretation of all the selections. His diction is not always clear due to his somewhat 'loud' and 'muffled' tone quality. BUT having said this, I must say that he is considered by most to be one of the great singers from the UK. I just simply prefer a more refined and clear 'delivery' such as Michael Chance renders. But we all have our own preferences and that's good for the world of music appreciation. Susan Gritton's voice is clear and her diction is excellent; and Robert King with the King's Consort give their usual fine accompaniment.
Just aside for those of you who enjoy the oratorio; there are 4 excellent 'live' performances on CD from the Maulbronn Monastery conducted by Jurgen Budday with superb singing, both soloistically and chorally. They are recorded by K&K Verlagsanstalt and are available on amazon.com

a must for Handel devotees.......2000-01-13

This CD contains some of the most beautiful music from Handel's oratorios and is performed here with style, warmth, brilliance, and authenticity. The sound quality of this recording is very warm and bright (good combination)!

Customer Reviews:

The "other" great Danish tenor.......2004-09-12

During the 1930s and `40s, Wagnerian tenor Lauritz Melchior was the most famous Danish tenor in the world, singing virtually every role Wagner ever wrote worldwide, but in Denmark during the same period a very different kind of tenor was flourishing: Aksel Schiøtz, with his light, silvery voice, high standards of musicianship, excellent command of lieder and wide popularity among his countrymen for his singing of Danish folk and art songs.

All of this came to an abrupt end in the fall of 1946 when Schiøtz, suffering from severe headaches and impaired vocal control, was diagnosed with a brain tumor that had to be removed immediately. The operation saved his life but left one side of his face, and vocal muscles, paralyzed. Through sheer hard work he was able to com back, two years later, as a baritone, but though the phrasing and musicianship remained intact the voice no longer had its silvery bloom. He continued to perform and record as a baritone through the late 1950s, then became a teacher of voice and interpretation in Colorado before accepting a similar post in his native Denmark in 1969. He died ten years later.

This, the last album in the Schiøtz series, contains all of his recordings of songs by the great composer Carl Nielsen, better-known internationally nowadays than he was in the 1930s and `40s. Schiøtz' readings, long considered classic, are here lovingly restored to their original pristine sound. The result is an incredible sense of intimacy created between performer and listener. The Danish engineer responsible for most of the Schiøtz recordings had one object in mind: to properly balance voice and piano or voice and orchestra, then let them perform as they would in a natural concert environment.

None of the cramped, dry LP pressings we all became to familiar with were used here, or indeed in any of the volumes of this series; every single track was lovingly and meticulously restored in London's Abbey Road studios from mint-condition copies of the original 78s or brand-new transfers made from the original metal parts. The results are simply magical, creating a tremendous intimacy between the tenor and listener in a way that is hard to describe unless you hear it for yourself. A shame that most of these CDs are now hard to obtain, but I urge you to get them if you can!

Toronto Children's Chorus: Come, Ye Makers of Song

Average customer rating:

Don't miss this

Toronto Children's Chorus: Come, Ye Makers of Song

Manufacturer: Marquis Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004TW1N
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

Come, Ye Makers Of Song
Freedom Trilogy
1. Dixit Dominus
2. Juravit Dominus
3. Judicabit In Nationibus
1. Psalm 92
2. Psalm 47
3. Psalm 23
1. Stabat Mater Dolorosa
2. Quae Maerebat Et Dolebat
3. Fac, Ut Ardeat Cor Meum
4. Inflammatus Et Accensus
5. Quando Corpus
6. Amen
Agnus Dei
Laudate Pueri
Lift Thine Eyes
Ave Maria
Prayer Of St. Francis
1. La Petite Fille Sage
2. Le Chien Perdu
3. En Rentrant De L'Ecole
4. La Petite Garcon
5. Le Herisson
Glory To Thee, My God This Night

Customer Reviews:

Don't miss this.......2001-07-31

"The Freedom Trilogy" is worth the price of the album -- an interweaving of Gregorian Chant and complex, exciting Gospel -- beautifully performed. One of the most exquisite things I have heard in a long time. Paul Halley was the organist at the Cathedral of St John the Divine in New York City when the Paul Winter Consort was in residence. You can hear him play that fabulous instrument in "Missa Gaia" and the wonderful recording of the celebration of the Winter Solstice. I think after that Halley went out on his own to do the kind of thing you find here. A good story and wonderful music.

Average customer rating:

Arias & Songs with Orchestra

Manufacturer: Cambria Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Scandinavian Languages | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000YTPSE
Release Date: 2003-12-30

Tracks:

Orfeo "Che Faro" - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
Songs of a Wayfayer: When My Sweetheart Has a Wedding - Eva Gustavson, Honolulu Symphony Orchestra
Songs of a Wayfayer: I Went This Morning Over the Field - Eva Gustavson, Honolulu Symphony Orchestra
Songs of a Wayfayer: I Have a Red-Hot Knife in My Breast - Eva Gustavson, Honolulu Symphony Orchestra
Songs of a Wayfayer: The Two Blue Eyes of My Love - Eva Gustavson, Honolulu Symphony Orchestra
Prophete "Ah, Mon Fils" - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
Samson and Dalila "Mon Coeur" - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio Orchestra
Werther: Les Letters - Eva Gustavson, Honolulu Symphony Orchestra
Werther: Les Larmes - Eva Gustavson, Honolulu Symphony Orchestra
Werther: La Priere - Eva Gustavson, Honolulu Symphony Orchestra
Sapho "Demain Je Partirai" - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio Orchestra
Roi d'Ys. Margareth "De Tous C" - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio Orchestra
Carmen: Habanera - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio Orchestra
Carmen: Chanson Boheme - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
Enfant Prodigue Air de Lia "L'Ann en Vain" - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio Orchestra
Seapictures - "Where Corals Lie - Sabbath Morning at Sea - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio Orchestra
From Olav Trygvason - Vs Aria Ei Er Det Nok - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

Fatter Ei Bes Evige Gang, Op. 5 - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio
Ungbirken - Op. 18 - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio
Zur Rosenzeit, Op. 48 - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio
Haugtussa: Det Syng, Op. 67 - Eva Gustavson, Univ. of Southern CA
Haugtussa: VeslemEva Gustavson, Univ. of Southern CA
Haugtussa: Blabi - Eva Gustavson, Univ. of Southern CA
Haugtussa: M Eva Gustavson, Univ. of Southern CA
Haugtussa: Elsk - Eva Gustavson, Univ. of Southern CA
Haugtussa: Killingdans - Eva Gustavson, Univ. of Southern CA
Haugtussa: Vond Dag - Eva Gustavson, Univ. of Southern CA
Haugtussa: Ved Gjebekken - Eva Gustavson, Univ. of Southern CA
Der du Gikk Fyrre Op. 26 - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio
Lykken Mellem to Mennesker - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio
Nu Brister I Alle de Kl - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio
Den Fagre Jenta Skal Ut a Blenkja - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio
Som Vind Peidi - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio
Sumarkveld - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio
Skjoldmng - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio
Og Dagar Gjeng - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio
Solfager - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio
Altar - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio
Skindvengbrev - Eva Gustavson, Oslo Radio

Choralis Septentrionalis: Early Scandinavian Chorale

Average customer rating:

Something extraordinary
Something extraordinary

Choralis Septentrionalis: Early Scandinavian Chorale

Manufacturer: Opus 111
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004ZBJT
Release Date: 2000-12-12

Tracks:

Jesus Christus Uhriks Meille
Christus Surrexit-Chor Nove
Ah Herra Christ
Grates Nunc Omnes-Ole Kiitetty Jesu Christ
Grates Nunc Omnes Reddamus
Glad Dig Du Kristi Brud
Suun Sydamen-Fra Mennisken Haffuer
Nuta Inimene
Gods Glory En De Heerlichheyt
Sun Tykos Turvaan Jumala
Il Me Souffit De Tous Mes Maulx
O Pasteur D'Israel Ecoute
Jo Heraja Christikunt Synnista-Cwala Tobie Gospodzinie
Nyt Rukolkaam Sita Pyhaa Hengia
Nun Bitten Wir-Tule Pyha Hengi
O Christe Vapahtajamme
Victimae Paschali-Christ Ist Erstanden
Les Commandements De Dieu
Nar Vij In Hogsta Noden Sta
Laetabundus Exultet-Christus Alas Astui
Victimae Paschali Laudes

Customer Reviews:

Something extraordinary.......2001-04-22

This is a superb CD! Seldom, very seldom, does one come across an early music recording that truly offers a fresh and innovative approach combined with high technical proficiency. Retrover has (again) accomplished this objective. Anyone interested in the music before Bach should absolutely get this one. Too bad, Opus 111 has become too cheap to include the German text translations.

Peter Hallberg Basel, Switzerland

Something extraordinary.......2001-04-22

Tracks:

Credo
Canticum Mariae Virginis
Herran rukous
Psalmi 23
Psalmi 130
Magnificat: I Magnificat
Magnificat: II Quia respexit - misericordia
Magnificat: III Fecit potentiam
Magnificat: IV Suscepit Israel
Magnificat: V Gloria
Nattvarden: Psalm vid nattvarden I (Communion Hymn I)
Nattvarden: Psalm vid nattvarden II (Communion Hymn II)
Nattvarden: Kyrie
Nattvarden: Herdepsalm (Shepherd Psalm)
Ave Maria
Missa Duodecanonica: Kyrie
Missa Duodecanonica: Sanctus per cancrizan
Missa Duodecanonica: Agnus Dei in motu contrario
Rakkaus ei koskaan h
Legenda
Marjatan Jouluvirsi
Joulun Virsi
Avuksihuutopsalmi
Ehtoohymni

Amazon.com

Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara may be the most exciting composer working today. His works are consistently good, rich in the folk traditions of his homeland, and, most important, challenging in concept but easy to appreciate. And that about sums up Sacred Works for Mixed Chorus, a collection of Rautavaara's masses, psalms, and hymns sung to perfection by the Finnish Radio Chamber Choir. Spanning 40 years (1953-1995) of his long career, Rautavaara's sacred music is less defined by any one religion than the entire concept--Catholic and Greek Orthodox texts sit side by side--and the composer never succumbs to predictability. Highlights abound: On "Canticum Mariae Virginis" and "Magnificat," bass and soprano voices exchange dialogue over the choir's mystical sonic backdrop; Christmas hymn "Marjatan jouluvirsi" (from the composer's choral opera Marjatta matala neiti) is simple and sweet; and "Credo" is a set of three variations on one motif--based on the composer's belief that "only difficult things are worth doing." In short, there's something here for everyone, and everyone should hear Rautavaara. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Ethereal recording from a doomed choir.......2004-10-15

I discovered Rautavaara's music a few years ago, and remain hopelessly enamoured of his choral music in particular. The works on this disc are no exception. The Magnificat and Canticum Mariae Virgines are especially compelling. And the performances by the Finnish Radio Chamber Choir are extremely fine.

Lovers of contemporary Finnish music might want to know that on 14 October 2004, the Finnish Broadcasting Company announced they will abolish the Radio Chamber Choir after the 2004-2005 season. The Chamber Choir was founded in 1961 and has premiered nearly 100 works.

Legend.......2000-02-22

On WOSU-FM this morning I heard "Legend" (until it was over I had no idea what I was listening to) and was enthalled enough to order the CD. I knew the music was contemporary yet it gave the impression of something ancient and austere. Richly colored choral blend yet not dark or heavy. Wandering and open yet not formless--at times almost sounded like a fugue. Not programmatic music, not a tone poem, yet visually suggestive of a winter landscape of ice and water reflecting unusual colors never seen before.

A rich and rewarding CD.......2000-01-30

I first discovered the works of this remarkable Finnish composer through his orchestral release "On the Last Frontier" last year. In this, the first disc to showcase his small-scale choral writing, I have discovered an instant classic. As explained in the booklet notes (written by the composer) these short pieces cover a forty-year time period, during which Rautavaara has explored his personal faith (he is Finnish Orthodox) through sacred writing for unaccompanied choir. The result is a striking and impressive programme with a wide range of expression and depth. As a composer, Rautavaara's greatest strength seems to be the skill with which he writes for any instrument, and in writing for choir he produces an amazing sound-world. At some moments, I did feel that I was hearing the influence of more familiar "New Mystic" composers (in particular Gorecki)- an example being the breathtaking opening to the second track, an extended piece in praise of the Mother of God. Nonetheless, at the core, Rautavaara is a truly individual twentieth century composer, and other works such as the first track- "Credo"- and the multi-faceted "Magnificat" halfway through reflect his distinctive voice.

I think this is a very addictive programme- not too long, but brimming with variety and placing the simple next to the complex. With regard to performance, the Finnish Radio Choir is immaculate- they give apt voice to each work and will have you hanging on every single note. To cap it all, the sound quality is without blemish.

Tracks:

'Saul And David', Op.25: Act II: Prelude
Concerto For Clarinet And Orchestra, Op. 57: Allegretto un poco - Poco Adagio - Allegro non troppo - Allegro Vivace
Rhapsodie Overture: An Imaginery Journey To The Faeroe Islands
Concerto For Flute And Orchestra: I. Allegro moderato
Concerto For Flute And Orchestra: II. Allegretto - Adagio ma non troppo - Allegretto - Tempo di Marcia
Springtime On Funen, Op.42: 'Som en graesgron plet'. Allegretto un poco
Springtime On Funen, Op.42: 'A se, nu kommer varen'
Springtime On Funen, Op.42: 'Den nilde dag er lys og lang'. Andantino con moto
Springtime On Funen, Op.42: 'Der har vi den aldrende sol igen'. Allegretto moderato
The Blind Musician: 'Nu kysser solen mit ojelag'. Andantino con moto
The Blind Musician: 'Nu vil vi ud og lege;. Allegro
The Old People: 'Sa saetter vi piben i ovnens krog'. Andantino moderato
Dance Ballard: 'Kom her, fiol og klarinet'. Allegro molto

Amazon.com

Nielsen was a master at writing for wind instruments, and at one point projected doing a concerto for all members of the Danish Wind Quintet (that is, for flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon and horn). These two works are as far as he got before his death. Both pieces pit the soloist against other instruments in the orchestra. In the Flute Concerto, the fastidious soloist confronts a lunatic trombone with hilarious results. And in the Clarinet Concerto--the greatest for the instrument since Mozart's--the soloist has a very serious argument with a snare drum whose part is equally difficult and prominent as that of the woodwind. There's no resolution in the latter piece: in the end both characters simply go their separate ways. These two works deserve the widest currency, and are expertly played and recorded by Esa-Pekka Salonen and his fine Scandinavian soloists. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Another Stirring Nielsen Performance By Salonen.......2001-04-08

Esa-Pekka Salonen is without a doubt one of the finest young conductors currently on the scene. After enjoying two Salonen discs of Nielsen music (the CD coupling Nielsen's 3rd and 6th Symphonies, and the one featuring the Violin Concertos of Nielsen and Sibelius), purchasing this performance of the Flute and Clarinet Concertos seemed a safe bet. And was it ever! The Concertos are the album's centerpieces and they are terrific. However, equally enjoyable are the "Saul and David" Prelude and "Rhapsodic Overture," pieces that personify Nielsen's rich, vibrant world of sound. The final piece, "Springtime on Funen," is not my cup of tea, but the performance is solid nonetheless. The Salonen/Nielsen combination proves to be memorable once again.