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. |
