Not only is Orphei Drangar one of the oldest and best men's choirs in the world, but it is a true gathering of individualists, almost all of whom have amde of will make their mark in professions other than music. Given this urge to express themselves as individuals, their popular pre-CHristmas concerts, known locally as "caprices," are not just a collective letting down of hair," but a much-appreciated opportunity for displaying all sorts of individual talents not usually required of choristers -- whether this be writing musical sketches, singing in some hitherto undiscovered register, representing half of a theatrical horse and etceteras. Add to this Eric Ericson, the world's greatest choral conductor -- who looked after Orphei Drangar for forty years because he enjoyed them so much -- and the mixture is potent, not to say explosive. Like all the greatest musicians Eric Ericson has that well-developed sense of humor that comes from recognizing that one has been entrusted with a very rare gift. Together, Eric Ericson and Orphei Drangar let their hair down in grand style. Indeed they elevate the very concept of "letting one's hair down" into something like an art form. |
