Danish Choral Music

Review: Formed in 1965, award-winning mixed choir Camerata has been one of the most prolific chamber choirs in Denmark. Apart from traditional a cappella concerts of several works by Danish composers, the Choir has performed such symphonic works as Mozart's 'Requiem' and Handel's 'Messiah.' Contemporary (b. 1949) composer Poul Ruders includes in his musical universe medieval, renaissance and baroque eras, rock music, American minimalism and modernism in a direct, vibrant, almost music-video-like style. The first movement, 24 minutes long, 'Stabat Mater,' is a dramatic, surprising piece that combines 10-part harmony with some samples of 'out-of-tune piano, organ and percussion.' Then we have 3 motets, done mostly in the sacred medieval and renaissance styles: 'Preghiera semplice,' 'Caritas nunquam exidit' and 'Psalm 86.' The last piece, 17 minutes long, the Medieval Danish folksong 'Queen Dagmar's Death,' is a somber-toned requiem with some unbelievable soprano solos from Choir members. 'Poul Ruders' is an impressive, very different choral CD of works by a brilliant composer.

Songlist: Stabat Mater, Three Motets:, Preghiera semplice, Caritas nunquam exidit, Psalm 86, The Death of Queen Dagmar

Review: Most well-known as a composer of symphonic works and numerous songs, Danish composer Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) also wrote an impressive smaller body of works for a cappella choir, which is presented in its entirety here, in chronological order; most recorded here for the first time. The liner notes are actually a booklet containing all the words and even an original score. Directed by Frans Rasmussen, mixed choir Canzone Zoret performs these wonderful songs beautifully, but the liner notes are so focused on Nielsen and his history that nothing is said about the excellent group or its director. 38 songs, including songs for male choir like 'A moment of pleasure, an age of pain' and 'Earlier I dreamt every single night,' patriotic songs like 'Protect Your Land, Oh Danish Man,' popular songs like 'The Daffodil,' Christian songs like 'Come, Angel of God, Tranquil Death,' Christmas songs like 'Oh, Christmas Snow From Bethlehem' and even songs written to be sung in schools, like 'The Grasshopper' and 'The Spider's Song' from 1899, which were so popular his two daughters were nicknamed 'the grasshoppers' at school. These songs are a joy, richly harmonic with sweet soprano solos dancing above, by a master composer and performed by a master choir.

Songlist: 4 Sange Mandskor, Det Bodes der for i lange Aar, Laengsel, Byd mig at leve, For dromte jeg fast hver eneste Nat, Graeshoppen, Ederkopens Sang af Alladdin, Sang til Kolding Latinskoles Majfest, Morten Borups Majvise, Sidskensang, Serenade, Kom, Gudsengel, stille Dod!, Aftenstemning, 11te Februa 1909, Vor Livet ikke lofter, Fra Klokkernes Malme, Til Snapsen i Bel Canto, Paaske-Liljen, Bornehjaelpsdagens Sang, Fredlys din Jord, du danske Mand!, Ak, Julesne fra Bethlehem, Hil dig, vor Fane!, Der er et yndigt Land, Hymne til Livet, Foraarsang, To Skolesange, Blomsterstov fra Blomsterbaeger, Nu er for stakket Tid forbi, Tre Motetter op. 55, Afflictus sum, Dominus regit me, Benedictus Dominus, Til min Fodeo, 6 Kanoner, Bokserne, Traaden brister, Rokken staaer, Vaegter, jeg beder, hold op, Ikke det altid slaar til, Du skal le ad Odelaeggelse, Stilhed og Morke, Sjolunds Sangere, Kantate til Dansk Ligbraendingsforening, Kvadet om Nordens Harpe

Review: �rets Krans, meaning garland of the year, is a compilation of Danish hymns for fellowship. Beginning with the church's birthday or Whitsunstide, traditional hymns are woven together, celebrating the major feasts of the liturgical year. These beautiful melodies are superbly sung by the internationally acclaimed Copenhagen Boys' Choir under the direction of former member Ebbe Munk.

Songlist: Du, som gar ud fra den levende Gud, Nu bede vi den Helligand, I al sin glans nu straler solen, I osten stiger solen op, Gakud min sjael, Vi plojed og vi sa de, Min Jesus, lad mit hjerte fa, Blomstre som en rosengard, Velkommen igen, Guds engle sma, Fra Himlen hojt kom budskabber, Hkerte, loft din glaedes vinger, Vaer velkommen, Herrens ar, Frydeligt med jubelkor, Hil dig, fresler og forsoner, Som for arssolen morgenrod, Opstanden er den Herre Krist, Paskeblomst! hvad vil du her?, Nu blomstertiden kommer, Sommersalme

Review: Highly regarded throughout Europe this top-notch girls choir has beed delighting audiences and critics for several decades and thsi recording shows why they have garnered such acclaim.

Songlist: This Is The Day Which The Lord Hath Made, Tell Ye The Daughter Of Sion, Ave Maria, Make A Joyful Noise, O Queen Of Heaven Rejoice, Blessed are They That Heareth, Singing Unto The Lord, The Sermon On The Mount, Owe No Man Anything, I Have Heard Thee, Sing O ye Heavens, My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Now Thank Ye All Our God, O Clap Your Hands All Ye People, I Am The Bread Of Life, We Will Walk In The Name Of The Lord

Review: Founded as the Copenhagen Boys' Choir in 1924, the Choir was permanently connected with the Christiansborg Slotskirke (Chapel of Christiansborg Castle) in 1959. With a repertoire ranging from commissioned works by the leading composers of our time to the earliest polyphony, the choir has earned a reputation over the years of being one of the finest of its type, giving concerts all over the world. Here are 14 sacred songs and hymns, favorites are Carl Nielsen's 'Benedictus,' Lewkowitch's 'Salve Regina' and 'Alma redemptoris,' Norgard's 'Agnus Dei II,' and Ruders' 'I sne star urt.' Sublime, soaring, magnificent music from one of Denmark's oldest and most respected boy's choirs.

Songlist: Afflictus sum, Dominus regit me, Benedictus, Ave regina, Salve regina, Alma redemptoris, Regina caeli, Agnus dei I, Agnus dei II, Agnus dei III, Preghiera semplice, I sne star urt, Den skonne jorden, Fred hviler over land

Review: The best known choral piece by Brahms is his German Requiem. Since his teenage years he was involved with choral groups and continued to work with them throughout his life. He wrote numerous songs for a cappella ensembles as well as with accompaniment. The most familiar of these pieces is the Zigeunerlieder, op. 103. These Gypsy songs are usually performed by a soloist and piano, but were originally written for a quartet. This phenomenal recording by the Danish National Radio Choir highlights some of Brahms' work in the choral genre.

Songlist: Drei Gesange, Op. 42, Funf Gesange, Op. 104, Vier Gesange, Op. 17, Sechs Quartette, Op. 112, Zigeunerlieder, Op. 103

Review: The German-born Brahms (1833-1897) is considered one of the greatest Romantic composers, while the Danish National Radio Choir (Stefan Parkman, Chief Conductor) is one of the most respected European Choirs performing today. Their pure yet robust sound is a fine complement to the mastery of form that Brahms' works display. Indeed, one of the distinguishing characteristics of his style was his fascination with the contrapuntal forms so often identified with the Baroque and pre-Baroque era: canon, motet, fugue, and the variations thereof. It was accepted at that time to use a folk song or other well-known melody as the basis for the composer's own originality, which was demonstrated through his technical facility and manipulation of accepted idioms. A series of 'Marienlieder' comprise a third of the recording, along with seven motets and three compositions commissioned for the Hamburg Industrial Exhibition of 1889. A recording of excellent virtue.

Songlist: Marienlieder, Op. 22:, Der englische Gruss, Marias Wallfahrt, Der jager, Ruf zur Maria, Magdalena, Marias Lob, Two Motets, Op. 29:, Es ist das Heil uns kommen her, Schaffe in mir, Gott, ein rein Herz, Two Motets, Op. 74:, Warum ist das Licht gegeben dem Muhseligen?, O Heiland, reiss die Himmel auf, Fest-und Gedenkspruche, Op. 109:, Unsere Vater hoften auf dich, Wenn ein starker Gewappneter, Wo ist ein so herrlich Volk, Three Motets, Op. 110:, Ich aber bin elend, Ach, arme Welt, Wenn wir in hochsten Noten sein

Review: Zoltan Kodaly is best known for his research of folk music and his contribution to the field of music education. A large part of his output is concentrated in the area of choral music. The four works heard on this recording come from the early third of the twentieth century. The Missa Brevis for chorus, alto, tenor, bass solos and organ, is the latest of these pieces and was expanded from his Mass for solo organ. Matrai kepek (Matra pictures) is a set of five pieces which are based on Hungarian folk songs from the Matra region ordered to form a narrative thread. Kodaly's music is dramatic with colorful writing.

Songlist: Missa brevis' (8 Movements), Jezus es a kufarok (Jesus and the traders), Este (Evening), Matrai Kepek

Review: Founded in 1932, the Danish National Radio Choir, directed by Jesper Grove Jorgensen, tours all over Europe, Australia, Canada and the USA. 'Pupils' features 6 eclectic works by Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992), 3 works by Karlheinz Stockhausen (b. 1928) , and 3 works by Iannis Xenakis (b. 1922). Working all his life in the church, the French composer Messiaen's 'Cinq rechants' offers abrasive dissonances and monodies, and lines with a vital rhythmic energy. His pupil Stockhausen goes off in a different direction, combining religious and erotic elements. Xenakis went in still another direction, the political, writing 'Nuits' for 12 voices, an appeal on behalf of political prisoners; and choral music for ancient dramas like 'A Helene' and 'Serment.' Stockhausen's 'Die Nachtigall,' Armer junger Hirt' and 'Agnus Dei' are lovely. Messiaen's 'Modere�Presque vif,' Bien modere' and 'Tres vif' are particularly nice. Very different, beautifully performed choral music! Extensive liner notes with lyrics and histories of the composers.

Songlist: Cinq rechants:, i. Mondere - Presque vif, ii. Bien modere, iii. Lent, caressant, iv. res vif, v. Vif, Chore fur Doris (Helle Charlotte Pedersen soprano), Die Nachtigall, Armer junger Hirt, Agnus Dei , Choral, A Helene, Nuits, Serment

Review: The 75 professional singers of the DNRC are directed by Stefan Parkman, who has conducted most of Sweden's symphony orchestras and several excellent choirs. Probably the least-known of Richard Strauss's (1884-1949) major works are his compositions for unaccompanied chorus--not surprisingly, because only the most accomplished choirs are qualified to perform them. When they are performed, however, the rewards are great: 16 part harmony with antiphonal block passages alternating with intricate polyphony. Six pieces: 'Der Abend Op. 34 Nr. 1,' 'Hymne Op. 34 Nr. 2,' Deutsche Motette Op. 62,' 'Die Cottin im Putzzimmer,' and 'An den Baum Daphne,' featuring the Copenhagen Boys' Choir. This is beautiful, fine, intricate stuff, with soaring harmonies and solos. Extensive liner notes with all lyrics and histories.

Songlist: Der aben op 34 nr 1, Hymne op 34 nr 2, Deutsche mottette op 62, Die gottin im putzzimmer, An den Baum Daphne

Review: Stefan Parkman, who has conducted most of Sweden's symphony orchestras and those of other Scandinavian countries and numerous other choirs, directs the 75-strong DNRC in the work of German composer Max Reger (1873-1916). The work has two parts, 'Sechsstimmige Chore, Op. 39, which has 3 movements, 'Schweigen' (Silence),' the premier recordings of 'Abendlied' (Evening Song), and 'Fruhlingsblick' (a glimpse of Spring); and Funfstimmige Motetten, Op. 110, which also has 3 movements, 'Mein Odem ist schwach,' (My breath is corrupt), 'Ach, Herr, strafe mich nicht' (O Lord, rebuke me not), and 'O Tod, wie bitter bist du' (O death, how bitter is the remembrance). Although Reger was never a popular composer, his craftsmanship and colossal output have earned him abiding respect in the musical world--this is beautiful music, perfectly performed! Comprehensive liner notes with all lyrics and history.

Songlist: schweigen, abendlied, fruhlingsblick/ funfstimmige motetten op 110 (ssatb), mein odem ist schwach, ach, herr, strafe mich nicht, o tod, wie bitter bist du

Review: Den bla anemone, by the Klarup Girls Choir, features a mix of a cappella and accompanied songs and arrangements by the Danish composer John Hoybye. A lecturer in conducting and composition, Hoybye is a proponent of choral singing for the development of children. The songs on this CD range from popular Danish tunes to newly composed melodies. In common, they all have more modern harmonies. In addition, they have been chosen to reflect the four seasons. These songs are beautifully sung by this celebrated group.

Songlist: Den bla anemone , Nu skiner sol i haver , Solskinslyse forarsskove , April, April , Nu er jord og himmel stille , Nu blomsteriden kommer , Danmark, nu blunder den lyse nat, Jeg gik mig ud en sommerdag , Hvor magerne skrider , Aftenstemning , Kirsten of vegen fra Gurre , Nu falmer skoven trindt om land, Skoven er sa underfold, Vor sol er bleven kold , Spirven sidder stum bag kvist , I sne star urt og busk i skjul , Sneflokke kommer vrimlende , Saenk kun dit hoved, du blomst

Review: Formed in 1980 this top-notch Danish girlchoir, directed for over 25 years by Jan Ole Mortensen, has won many awards, toured world-wide and performs frequently on Danish National Radio. The recordings here are all originals by living Danish composers such as Michael Bojesen, Knut Nystedt and Egil Hovland and are excellent proof of why contemporary Danish choral music is held in such high regard throughout Europe.

Songlist: O Come, Let Us Sing , Lyrie Eleison , Gloria , Kaerlighed som til et billed, Pater Noster, Gud, Lad Os Leve Af Dit Ord, Mary's Song , Sancta Maria, I Am My Brothers Keeper, Aere Til Dig, Kristus , Ave Maria, Fader Vor

Review: With such a strong tradition of choral music it comes as no surpise that this world-class girls choir delivers susch a fine fine recording as this. Featuring the compositions of Denmark's top composers such as Carl Nielson, Otto Mortensen, Niels la Cour, Michael Bojesen and Niels W. Gade including many a cappella works.

Songlist: Sommer, Lovald, Julekveld, Lovspring, Den Danskw San, Den Kedsom Vinter Gik Sin Sin Gang, Yndigt Dufter Danmark, Midsommersang, Vinger, Tre Kinesiske Digte, Tapoti Febulen, Vinterskyer, Lidt Af Evigbedegen, Forst Var Ordet, Evigheden

Review: Creator Spiritus is the latest collaboration between GRAMMY Award winning conductor Paul Hillier and celebrated Estonian composer Arvo Part. The disc features a carefully selected collection of Part's choral and instrumental chamber music, drawn from different periods in the composer's career. Leading his celebrated vocal ensembles Theatre of Voices and Ars Nova Copenhagen and joined by the NYYD Quartet and long-time collaborator organist Christopher Bowers-Broadbent, Hillier produces another powerful recording of ethereal sacred music.

Songlist: Veni creator, The Deer's Cry, Psalom, Most Holy Mother of God, Solfeggio, My Heart's in the Highlands, Peace upon you, Jerusalem, Ein Wallfahrtslied, Morning Star, Stabat Mater

Review: Inspired by the much-loved service of 'Nine Lessons and Carols' given every Christmas Eve in England, this recording presents the Nativity story told through plainchant, motets, 17th Century dialogues, and traditional folk carols. Paul Hillier leads Theatre of Voices and Ars Nova Copenhagen in music he has culled and arranged from Italian, German, Danish, English, and American sources.

Songlist: Rorate coeli desuper, Veni veni Emanuel, Eis ist ein Ros entsprungen, Dum deambularet Dominus in Paradisum, Adam lay y-bounden, In dulci iubilo, Missus est Gabriel, Puer natus est, O magnum mysterium, Voi ch'ai notturni rai, Dormi, dormi, o bel bambin, Liebe Hirten, Andachtsjodler, We Three Kings, Videntes stellam, Personent hodie, Herodes iratus, Vox in Rama, Uebers Gebirg, Maria wallt zum Heiligtum, The holly and the ivy, Barn Jesus i en krybbe la, We wish you a merry Christmas