Norwegian Songs

In 'Songs from the Planet of Life,' composer Helge Iberg uses poems of the taoist tradition to shed light on the ecological situation. An impressive handful of soloists come together with The Norwegian Radio Orchestra for this touching musical reflection on the present state of the planet and humankind. Norway's biggest newspaper Aftenposten, describes the work as "Heavenly! Iberg's concept gave us a night we will never forget!" An all-night Concerto Grosso for five soloists, narrator and symphony orchestra; extensive, grand-scale and correspondingly powerful a new Das Lied von der Erde inspired by Gustav Mahler's iconic art piece. The piece consists of 9 movements. Vocal artist Sidsel Endresen narrates the poems together with LiuTiegang, actor and leader of The National Theater of China in Beijing. Elise Batnes's interpretation of Tale of Sorrowful Song is outstanding. Christian Ihle Hadland's piano-playing is equally poignant in Lotus Dance, while Marianne Beate Kielland and Frank Havroy spellbind us in Long Autumn Night contrasted by Tom Ottar Andreassen's alto flute, all safely guided by conductor Kai Grinde Myrann.

Mezzo-soprano Marianne Beate Kielland is famous for her strong stage presence and musical integrity. Gramophone Magazine writes about her: The mezzo-soprano is quite outstanding: strong, firm, sensitive in modulations, imaginative in her treatment of words, with a voice pure in quality, wide in range and unfalteringly true in intonation.

Rolling Stone Magazine released a list of "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in November 2004. It represents an eclectic mix of music spanning the past 50 years, and contains a wide variety of artists sharing the spotlight. The Rolling Stone 500 was compiled by 172 voters comprised of rock artists and well-known rock music experts, who submitted ranked lists of their favorite 50 Rock & Roll/Pop music songs. The songs were then tallied to create the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Rolling Stone Magazine released a list of "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in November 2004. It represents an eclectic mix of music spanning the past 50 years, and contains a wide variety of artists sharing the spotlight. The Rolling Stone 500 was compiled by 172 voters comprised of rock artists and well-known rock music experts, who submitted ranked lists of their favorite 50 Rock & Roll/Pop music songs. The songs were then tallied to create the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The Magazine is included.

Edvard Grieg - The Complete Songs - Monica Groop (2010) {7CD Set, BIS-CD-1607/09 rec 1993-2007}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 1.65 Gb | MP3 @320 -> 1.09 Gb
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© 2010 BIS Records AB | BIS-CD-1607/09
Classical / Romantic / Chamber Music / Song

The complete 172 songs for voice and piano. The seven discs that make up the collection have previously been released separately, to great acclaim from reviewers around the world: ‘Something of a landmark in the Grieg discography… Monica Groop penetrates the very essence of the Grieg spirit with the artlessness that conceals art’, wrote International Record Review about one instalment, while a BBC Music Magazine review described another as ‘an irresistible new take, thrilling to both the shadows and the bright high-latitude light in this music.’ In her own introduction to the project Monica Groop writes: ‘I have always felt a special and instinctive affinity for Edvard Grieg and his music … I admire his gift of being able to write simple, natural music and I have sought to preserve this in performance.’ In these endeavours the acclaimed Finnish mezzo-soprano has enjoyed the expert support of three fine pianists: Roger Vignoles, Ilmo Ranta and Love Derwinger.

Norwegian folk musician Sinikka Langeland, singer and player of the kantele (the Finnish table harp) is a distinctly non-traditional traditionalist, redefining "folk" in successive projects. 'Maria's Song' finds her in the company of two distinguished classical musicians - organist Kare Nordstoga and "giant of the Nordic viola" Lars Anders Tomter - and on a mission to restore Marian texts to sacred music, weaving folk melodies in between the timeless strains of J S Bach. Langeland made a lot of friends with her sparkling ECM debut Starflowers: "There are jewels everywhere on this arresting example of ego-free music-making. One of the albums of this or any other year" raved the Irish Times. Where Starflowers brought Langeland into the orbit of jazz improvisers, Maria's Song is a meeting and cross referencing of folk and 'classical' energies, and also a righting of historical 'injustice': Religious folk songs are amongst the most distinctive elements of the Norwegian folk tradition, yet the Virgin Mary rarely appears in them.

December is a time of anticipation. We wait and we hope - veni, come! The songs on this album encompass many nuances and moods - from joy and jubilant celebration to deep melancholy and longing. They move between folk tunes, English carols and traditional Christmas songs from different times and parts of the world, between Bach and Ives, Bulgaria and Norway. Several of the songs refer to the passing of the year, the cycle of nature and rhythms of daily life: lullabies for peace of mind and comfort, and songs about surrendering ourselves to the unfathomable and unknowable in the midst of our everyday concerns: the stars will always shine in the sky - and dawn will come.