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Scandinavian Choral Music Arrangements
| Did you know that the Scandinavian countries have a higher average participation rate for choral groups than any other nations on the planet? In Sweden alone, 10 per cent of the population sings in a choir. In Norway, more than 125,000 people sing in choirs (in a nation with fewer than 4 million citizens). So in a region where vocal ensembles have such a high stature, it is absolutely no surprise that such a high value is placed on doing it well. Whether it's a children's choir from Finland, or an adult choir in Denmark performing symphonic works, you'll love what you hear from them. |
Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media
Displaying 1-12 of 12 items.
Einojuhani Rautavaara : Suite de Lorca The Lorca suite is probably Rautavaara's most popular choral work. The combination of Lorca's poetry and the soaring melodic lines of the music make it a true pearl of contemporary choral literature. Rautavaara has injected each of the four movements of the suite with its own unmistakable character. Text: Federico Garcia Lorca (Spanish/Finnish), duration: 7 minutes. 
Einojuhani Rautavaara : The First Runo The First Runo is unusual in that it is a setting of part of the Kalevala, the Finnish national epic, in an English translation rather than the original Finnish. Rautavaara has chosen the very first poem of the Kalevala, which describes the creation of the world according to Finnish mythology. Rautavaara uses a shimmering vocal texture to paint an image of the primeval lake. Duration: 8 minutes.
Einojuhani Rautavaara : Our Joyful'st Feast This Christmas carol, commissioned by the Finnish broadcasting company Yle and first performed in Helsinki by Helsinki Chamber Choir, conducted by Nils Schweckendiek, is based on three texts, two by William Shakespeare and one by George Wither. The largely homophonic textures combine with Rautavaara's characteristically rich and often chromatic harmonies to form a very effective and satisfying work, a bit different from the usual Christmas offering.
Erik Bergman : Dreams Dreams is in many ways a sister work to Bergman's Lapponia, particularly in terms of the sound material it uses. However, the atmosphere of the world it inhabits is more intangible and dream-like, as its name suggests. Text: wordless, duration 13 minutes.
Esa-Pekka Salonen : Two Songs from Kalender Rod Composed for unaccompanied Double Mixed Chorus, these two songs were commissioned by the Swedish Broadcasting Corporation for the 75th Anniversary Concert of the Swedish Radio Choir. Based on two poems by Ann Jaderlund with text in Swedish and an English translation. Songlist: Djupt I Rummet, Kyss Min Mun Ola Gjeilo : A Cappella Works for Chorus "Unicornis CaptiIvatur" is an exciting, adventurous piece sets an unusual Latin text to music that ranges in style from renaissance dance to shimmering chorales to chant, and in texture from unison to an expansive eight parts. Requiring highly developed musicianship, this work is sure to become a memorable concert highlight. "Sanctus" is atmospheric and intense, featuring contrasts of ethereal melody lines supported by stately, rich harmonies. Unified by a repeated, modulated motif in the "Hosanna" section, this sensual yet spiritual Sanctus from inimitably original Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo promises to be a highlight of an advanced choir's concert or service. While not easy, repetition of rhythmic and harmonic patterns coupled with the familiar Latin make this much more accessible than it appears. Completely rewarding. Inimitably original, Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo's setting of the Latin text to Psalm 126 "Nisi Dominus" exudes a musical intensity similar to Orff's Carmina Burana. Musically and vocally challenging, it offers great rewards to the most accomplished choirs. A stunning work! "Ubi Caritas" - With a sound at once modern and medieval, this remarkable setting of the familiar Latin text starts in unison and evokes plain chant, and gradually unfolds into wider harmonies and more modern harmonic language. Not unduly challenging in terms of vocal range, it's readily accessible to good high school mixed choirs for concerts or festivals at any time. Songlist: Unicornis CaptiIvatur, Sanctus, Ubi Caritas
Ola Gjeilo : Christmas Carols Vol 1 Ola Gjeilo is a rising star in modern choral music and has already established a stellar reputation for original and creative work. This collection of his a cappella Christmas arrangements, in two volumes, offers well-known carols in fresh and sophisticated a cappella settings. Volume 1 includes three outstanding arrangements written for choirs with mature ranges and divisi capacity Songlist: O Come O Come, Emmanuel, In The Bleak Widwinter, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
Ola Gjeilo : A Cappella Compositions The music of Manhattan-based Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo (b. 1978) has been performed and recorded in more than 30 countries worldwide in venues such as New York's Carnegie Hall, Los Angeles' Disney Hall, Philadelphia's Kimmel Centeri, Washington DC's Kennedy Center and National Gallery, as well as the Copenhagen and Oslo Opera Houses. His music has been featured on PBS and radio stations across the US. "The Spheres" - This movement is the beginning of a Mass called Sunrise, and, according to its composer, it is to "be performed with the sense of floating in space." A fine challenge for accomplished high school choirs and beyond! The setting uses the Latin Kyrie Eleison text. "Phoenix" - Written for larger, mature choirs, Gjeilo uses the Latin "Agnus Dei" text as support for this symphonic-sounding choral work. With its beautiful color, intonation and phrasing, it is a great choice for advanced high school, college and beyond. "Northern Lights" - Set to the Latin "Pulchra es amica mea" text from Song of Solomon, this easy-to-prepare composition is a great selection for high school, church and community choirs. With music inspired by the aurora borealis atmospheric lights, this song will render a most impressive performance Songlist: Tota Pulchura Es, Northern Lights, The Spheres, Phoenix
The Real Group : Arrangements of The Real Group Vol 2 The CD 'Nothing But The Real Group' was met with nothing but praise and excitement by fans worldwide. This package includes 3 titles from that album - 'Chili Con Carne,' Anders Edenroth's most popular original arrangement; this title has become a staple in the high school and collegiate Jazz Choir repertoire. 'As Rain,' another Anders Edenroth original; this beautiful ballad will challenge the singers and warm the hearts of any who hear it. Their arrangement of 'God Only Knows,' is a very worthy treatment of the Beach Boys' classic. Also included is 'A Cappella In Acapulco' another exciting Anders Edenroth original with an exciting Latin groove, featured on their album titled 'Unreal.' Anders Edenroth's playful, humorous composition, 'I Sing, You Sing,' features a wickedly catchy tune and clever lyrics, with a repeating refrain and verse structure that make this a pleasure to learn. Perfect for a good high school jazz choir and beyond! Featured on their CD 'One For All.' Songlist: Chili Con Carne, As Rain, A Cappella In Acapulco, God Only Knows, I Sing, You Sing
The Real Group : Arrangements of The Real Group Vol 5 A timeless Burt Bacharach song "I'll Never Fall In Love Again" is brought to new life by Anders Edenroth. A straightforward and accessible arrangement that celebrates the classic sound of the late '60s. This challenging vocal jazz arrangement of "It Don't Mean a Thing" captures the energy and pizazz of Duke Ellington's original. For skilled singers - not a dull moment! "Since You've Been Gone" - A cheeky arrangement of an original song by Anders Edenroth and Emma Nilsdotter from The Real Group. A great chance to tell those past loves that "I'm better off without you!" Songlist: I'll Never Fall In Love Again, It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), Since You've Been Gone
The Real Group : Arrangements of The Real Group Vol 4 "There Will Never Be Another You " is a sensitive treatment of the jazz standard that opens as a ballad before moving to a buoyant swing feel. Great tune, great arrangement. SATB a cappella with soprano solo. "Come Sunday" - Careful voice leading makes the contemporary harmonic changes and chord voicings in this chart quite accessible in this SSATBB a cappella arrangement. It features a strong 5 and 6 part into featuring the first chorus with a pyramid background behind a soprano melody moving into spread harmonies. The second chorus is open for a improvised solo with a tag over a 3-part harmonized background with walking bass. The chart ends with a 6-way harmonized "quasi-shout" chorus moving back into the origianl melody. Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke" never had it so good in this marvelous Edenroth arrangement. Songlist: There Will Never Be Another You, Come Sunday, Sir Duke, Very Early
Robert Sund : Three Motets Robert Sund is a distinguished Swedish composer and conductor. These unaccompanied works for mixed chorus divisi, based on sacred texts in Latin, include: Ave maris stella, Ave verum corpus, Ave Maria. Songlist: Ave maris stella, Ave verum corpus, Ave Maria |
Displaying 1-41 of 41 items.
Peace on earth and peace within are the themes of this popular Swedish Christmas song, arranged here with English lyrics and flute obbligato. Easily-learned in a minimum of rehearsal, this selection will showcase young choirs at their best.
Arranger: Mary Donnelly | Country: Sweden
A new addition to the Boosey & Hawkes Contemporary Choral Series, this carol by the leading Finnish composer of his generation was commissioned by Kings College, Cambridge and first performed at A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in 2010. Rautavaara's mystical style comes through in the parallel textures and shifting tonality. Christmas Carol is a challenging but entirely rewarding contemporary carol for choirs looking for something a bit different to add to their repertoire.
Composer: Einojuhani Rautavaara | Country: Finland
A beautiful and dynamic setting of the Zechariah 14: 6-9 text that describes the day that there will be no light, cold, or frost, no day or night - a day only the Lord knows. While it will be a challenge for most singers, the Swedish text adds great dimension to the work. Don't miss this work by one of Sweden's greatest contemporary choral composers. Andrew Crane Choral Series.
Arranger: Fredrik Sixten Performed By: Helene Stureborg Chamber Choir | Country: Sweden
Originally conceived as a vocal solo for a classically trained soprano. Now, the vocal palette has been expanded for both SSAA and SATB choirs. Along with the expanded number of voices, the style has also expanded to include a folk-like style for the lower voices, an angel-like quality for the upper voices and an accordian, wind instrument and percussion accompaniment to embellish the piano part. This can also be accompanied using the chord symbols for a more free and improvisatory affect.
Composer: Frode Fjellheim | Country: Norway
with Synthesizer, Percussion and optional Male Yoik. (3:15)
Composer: Frode Fjellheim | Country: Norway
Inspired by the traditional Sami yoik, a very old vocal tradition among the Sami people of Scandinavia and Russia, this beautiful music was used in the Disney animated film Frozen. Now available in several voicings, all choirs can now enjoy these works that are infused with style and ethnic authenticity that will bring a wonderful and unique sound to your choral concert.
Arranger: Emily Crocker | Composers: Frode Fjellheim and Robert Lopez | Country: Norway | Musical: Frozen
The beautiful fourteenth-century hymn Puer natus in Bethlehem has been set in Norwegian by composer Orjan Matre. Matre has used a Norwegian folk tune that makes this a very unique offering for Christmas. Improvised lute, violin, and string bass can be used to add to its charm.
Arranger: Orjan Matre Performed By: Norwegian Soloists Choir | Country: Norway
Norway is a country rich in folk tradition, and in this piece, elements of folk dance and instrumental music are clearly represented. These tunes are fun, singable, and would fit perfectly on a program of multicultural music, or as a stand-alone on a concert of a more diverse nature. Complete IPA guide included.
Arranger: Margaret King | Composer: Norwegian Folk | Country: Norway
An incredible interpretation of a joyous Norwegian folk song by well-known Norwegian composer, songwriter, and violinist Gjermund Larsen. Gropen is a rhythmic and breathtaking work that is truly unique.
Arranger: Gjermund Larsen Performed By: Norwegian Soloists Choir | Country: Norway
This arrangement of the familiar Norwegian carol, I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve, offers both an English and optional Norwegian text for two-part treble voices and piano. The music box accompaniment adds to the merriment of the melody and text. Recounting happy childhood memories of decorating the tree, delicious smells from the kitchen, and the fresh retelling of the Christmas story warms the heart and the soul. A sparkling addition to your Christmas concert, children and parents will love drifting away into their fondest holidays past.
Arranger: Jeanne Julseth-Heinrich | Country: Norway
Joulupuu On Rakennettu is a lovely Finnish Christmas carol. Each of the three verses is given individual treatment. (4:30)
Arranger: Charles Collins | Country: Finland
Finnish Medieval Chant
Composer: Stephen Chatman | Country: Finland
Drawing from the Sami culture, a Nordic society dating from the 2nd century, here is a truly multicultural anthem. With a strong influence from the Sami Yoik tradition along with Norse elements and contemporary Western musical norms, this beautiful setting of the Latin text Kyrie is an amazing new setting of this traditional text. There is a lovely section for a soloist or small group with a clear line but with space for improvisation as well.
Composer: Frode Fjellheim | Country: Norway
This setting of Solveig's Song from Act V of Ibsen's Peer Gynt is a gentle lullaby in ABA form. It features a variety of choral textures, some alternation of meters and interplay between the mezzo-soprano soloist and the rest of the choir. The middle section is characterized by increased divisi writing, contrapuntal imitation and some degree of modulation resulting in overall intensification.
Arranger: Imant Raminsh | Country: Norway
The hymn My Heart Always Lingers is one of the most popular Scandinavian hymns. This arrangement by Norwegian composer Frode Fjellheim, includes elements from the yoik tradition, a Northern Sami translation of the first verse and the last verse in Norwegian. This arrangement is designed to be performed with the piano part included, more freely using the chord symbols or as an a cappella anthem.
Composer: Frode Fjellheim | Country: Norway
For Equal Voices or Mixed Choir, Frame Drum, Synthesizer (Piano) and Improvised Instrumental solo. Yoik is a very old tradition amon the Sámi people of Scandanavia and Russia. The Sámis themselves say that the Yoik has no beginning and no end. The Yoik often describes a specific person, emotion or other element of nature and does so with very little use of words. Duration: ca. 4:40.
Composer: Frode Fjellheim | Country: Norway
Drawing on Scandinavian mythology, the native music of the Yoik people and contemporary harmonies, Frode Fjellheim has established himself as a visionary as he combines these disparate musical styles. Detailed page two notes offer excellent guidance for a successful performance.
Composer: Frode Fjellheim | Country: Norway
Nordic Polska is a combination of traditional Swedish and Finnish folksongs arranged for performance by LEVELELEVEN, a combination of The Real Group and Rajaton. Using scatting and nonsense syllables, the sound of the folksongs shines through. A beautiful and other-worldly sound. Available for mixed voices and men's chorus.
Arranger: Anders Edenroth | Country: Sweden
An authentic, haunting folk song arranged in a unique style that will make this choice stand out in your concert. With English text and simple pronunciation guide for singing in original language. Duration: ca. 3:55.
Arranger: Gunnar Eriksson | Composer: Gjendine Sllien | Country: Norway
Norway is a country rich in folk tradition, and in this piece, elements of folk dance and instrumental music are clearly represented. These tunes are fun, singable, and would fit perfectly on a program of multicultural music, or as a stand-alone on a concert of a more diverse nature. Complete IPA guide included.
Arranger: Margaret King | Country: Norway
Combining traditional western harmonies, 12 tone technique, and elements of the Sami Yoik tradition, this eclectic and emotional piece will connect you, your choir, and your audience to each of these musical traditions. A wonderful teaching tool as well as a powerful concert work.
Composer: Frode Fjellheim | Country: Norway
The nonsense text exists merely to give form to the music and is meaningless. In Pseudo-Yoik the composer takes a humorous look at the stereotype of Lapland folk music.
Composer: Jaakko Mantyjarvi | Country: Finland
Originally part of a Mass setting incorporating traditional Latin Mass movements with elements from the Sami yoik tradition, other Norwegian folk music and traditional Finnish Music. This single movement has no words, only Yoik syllables with no meaning. A simple pronunciation guide is included. This song, along with other music by Frode, can be heard on the Decca album Northern Lights by Cantus.
Composer: Frode Fjellheim Performed By: Cantus | Country: Norway
Arranger: Jonathan Rathbone | Composer: Traditional | Country: Finland
This song's arrangement is based on the classic Swedish custom of Saint Lucy. With the chorus section lyrics in Swedish, this version combines original lyrics and music with the traditional Sankta Lucia. A solid multicultural addition to your holiday concert with unique teaching opportunities for your classroom and rehearsal. Available separately: 3-part mixed, 2-part, PianoTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:40.
Composer: Marti Lunn Lantz | Country: Sweden
Two equal voice parts echo and overlap as a steady hand drum and finger cymbals repeat their rhythmic patterns in this playful adaptation of a folk song from Finland. With perfect vocal ranges, complimentary counterlines, and canonic harmonies, it could not be easier to achieve a polished sound.
Arranger: Andy Beck | Country: Finland
A collection of works for mixed voices edited by Jakob Faurholt. In Danish.
Composer: Phillip Faber | Country: Denmark
This composition is based on a traditional Sámi yoik from the southernmost Sámi regions of Scandinavia and Russia. The yoik is a very old vocal tradition among the Sámi people that uses short melodic phrases repeated endlessly with small variation. This edition may be performed by treble voices or easily adapted for mixed chorus. With Piano or Synthesizer and Frame Drum. Duration: ca. 5:40.
Composer: Frode Fjellheim | Country: Norway
Based on a Norwegian folk tune, with English text by Kathleen Black, this song tells a charming and romantic love story. An ideal selection for groups of all ages. Optional string trio accompaniment. Available: SSA, Instrumental Pak. Performance Time: Approx. 2:25.
Arranger: Audrey Snyder | Country: Norway
Scenes from the composer's native Norway - specifically the Hardangervidda mountain plateau - inspired this poem by Charles Anthony Silvestri. Barren and intensely beautiful, this Norwegian land feels sacred, a notion captured in Silvestri's lyrics. Gjeilo has created a stunning soundscape that will be a favorite of your women's chorus. An excellent festival choice. With piano accompaniment and optional string quartet (full score and string quartet parts available separately). Duration: approx. 3:30.ĘĘ
Composer: Ola Gjeilo | Country: Norway
This Finnish poem makes it clear that this lullaby is being sung by a peasant mother to her dead child, wishing it safe passage to the afterlife.
Composer: Charles Collins | Country: Finland
Contents: Baka kaka sřte (Bake a sweet cake) - Aa desse gamle kj inch.rringar (Oh these old women).
Arranger: Nils Vigeland | Country: Norway
These two popular Swedish Christmas Carols, Nu Ar Detv Jul Igen and Nar Juldagsmorgon Glimmar, capture complementary aspects of the Christmas spirit. Nu Ar Detv Jul Igen is in the style of the Hambo, one of the most popular of Swedish folk dances. At Christmas time, the Hambo is danced around the Yule tree by children gaily singing these playful verses. Nar Juldagsmorgon Glimmar is a more expressive carol, filled with the magic of Jesus' birth in the humble manger. Throughout the arrangement, the dance carol should be sung lightly and accented, with a dancing buoyancy. Nar Juldagsmorgon Glimmar should be sung legato with expressive lines and should never be covered by the quicker carol.
Arranger: Lee Kesselman | Country: Sweden
The renowned Swedish composer created this highly sensitive and dramatic piece for experienced singers. Based on the profound biblical text from Ecclesiastes, this work will render the listener speechless.
Composer: Sven-David Sandstrom | Country: Sweden
Offering both the Finnish text and a singable English translation, here is a song by the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. An IPA guide is provided on the inside cover making it very accessible to present this in the original language. The title translates to Was It a Dream? and this is beautifully reflected in the atmospheric piano accompaniment. The vocal ranges are carefully distributed and the singing is mostly homophonic making this an excellent choice for the developing women's choir.
Arranger: Brandon Williams | Composer: Jean Sibelius | Country: Finland
Arranger: Jonathan Rathbone Performed By: The Swingle Singers | Country: Sweden
Here is the composer's own setting of Vuelie, used in the Disney animated feature film Frozen. Capturing the stark beauty of the Frozen north, this is a wonderful selection that will expand your singers' understanding of Scandinavian music.
Composer: Frode Fjellheim | Country: Norway | Musical: Frozen
Thomas Bell has set this Swedish melody for treble chorus with piano. The accompaniment ripples up and down the piano imitating the movement of water and the chorus sings above as if sailing on the water. It would work well for trebles (even boy choirs) of all ages. Difficulty Level: Medium Adult.
Arranger: Thomas Bell | Country: Sweden
The beautiful message of friendship, based on the simplest of Finnish folk melodies, has been sung by countless young choirs around the world. With descant. Swedish and English texts. Available: 2-Part.
Arranger: Carl Bertil Agnestig | Country: Finland
A timeless Norwegian folksong set for young voices with piano accompaniment. Wonderful lyrics, word painting, and easy harmonies will make a long-lasting impression on all. Available: 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 2:45.
Arranger: Jeanne Julseth-Heinrich | Country: Finland
Winter's Night (Vinternatt) describes the silence and darkness during a northern winter. Although originally written for soprano saxophone as the leading solo instrument, it can easily be performed by other treble instruments. Score for 2-Part Treble chorus, Soprano Saxophone, Piano and Triangle.
Composer: Frode Fjellheim | Country: Norway
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