Our Review
St. Olaf College is internationally known for its choral music (for more information, read my reviews of the St. Olaf Christmas Festival releases: 2003 Festival, 2006 Festival, and 2007 Festival). Formed in 1874 by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants, the college enjoys everlasting historical and cultural bonds with Norway. On A St. Olaf Christmas in Norway, the music celebrates these ties by showcasing the St. Olaf Choir and the Nidarosdomens Jentekor (the Nidaros Cathedral girls' choir), singing together in an ancient cathedral in Trondheim, Norway. The results are lovely and life-affirming.
Understandably, several tracks are in Norwegian, and many tunes are ones I do not recognize. Even so, the album resounds with holiday spirit, and the sweetly-tempered vocals are luxurious and lively, creating the impression of familiarity. The mystical and moving Lux Aurumque is absolutely compelling; its hushed, ethereal, and occasionally disonant intonations are extremely cool. O Yule, Full of Gladness is an especially winning, brightly delivered piece, and Hope for Resolution (the album's longest track) features some intensely transporting harmonies and syncopated rhythms.
A St. Olaf Christmas in Norway combines two attributes near and dear to any Minnesotan's heart. First, it's the St. Olaf Choir, a bona fide Minnesota institution that is particularly well-loved during the holiday season. Second, it's Norway, and this state is replete with Scandihoovians of every stripe, including a very robust Norwegian contingent (Ufdah!). For the holidays, you definitely do not have to be Norwegian--or even Minnesotan--to enjoy A St. Olaf Christmas in Norway. It's a terrific trip.
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)
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From the liner notes:
The St. Olaf Choir (Anton Armstrong, Conductor)
Nidarosdomens Jentekor (Anita Brevig, Artistic Director; Vivianne Sydnes, Conductor)
The Renowned St. Olaf Choir and Nidarosdomens Jentekor Perform in the Historic Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway
Recorded in Trondheim's historic Gothic church, built in 1070, this Christmas program showcases the St. Olaf Choir and the Nidarosdomens jentekor (Nidaros Cathedral's girls' choir). The beautiful a cappella voices... are joined by the noted Norwegian mezzo soprano Randi Stene.
This Christmas concert commemorates the centennial of Norway's independence and celebrates the cultural rrots of St. Olaf College, founded in 1874 by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants. Singing in the majestic 900-year-old Nidaros Cathedral was a highlight for the internationally known St. Olaf Choir, which has performed in prestigious music venues around the world since its founding in 1912 by F. Melius Christiansen, a Norwegian immigrant. Christiansen established the choir's distinctive style of a cappella singing, a tradition carried on today by artistic director and conductor--and St. Olaf College alumnus--Anton Armstrong.
From the Website:
St. Olaf Records is the producer and distributor of recordings by the vocal and instrumental ensembles of St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN including the annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival. It has long been a mission of the college to share, with an ever expanding audience, the high level of music that is studied and performed "on the hill."
St. Olaf Choir
A St. Olaf Christmas in Norway
Artist link
Label: St. Olaf Records
Length: 77 minutes
Genre: Choral
Release: 2005
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| O nata lux de lumine (Canticles of Light) |
| Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste fideles) |
| Jeg er verdens lys |
| Light Everlasting |
| Et Barn er fodt i Betlehem |
| Lux Aurumque |
| O Helga Natt (Jul-sang) |
| Interlude from Rosevinduet |
| Geistliches Wiegenlied, Op. 91 no.2 |
| Julemotet |
| True Light |
| Carol of the Bells |
| Juleverset |
| O Yule, Full of Gladness |
| Jeg er sa glad hver julekveld |
| O Day Full of Grace |
| Et Barn er fodt i Betlehem |
| Lullaby on Christmas Eve |
| Our Father |
| Hope for Resolution |
| Hark! The Herald Angels Sing |
| Stay with Us |
| Beautiful Savior |