Soprano Lise Davidsen Takes Listeners to Norway in Christmas from Norway on Decca

 

Soprano Lise Davidsen Takes Listeners to Norway in Christmas from Norway on Decca

Christmas From Norway, Lise Davidsen
Decca US

Releases Nov. 10, 2023

Lise Davidsen, the most in-demand soprano in the world right now, announces the release of her new album, ‘Christmas From Norway’ via Decca Classics on 10 November 2023. Hailed as “The living, breathing meteor of the current opera world” (The i Paper), Lise’s forthcoming album presents a delightful and personally-selected collection of traditional Norwegian Christmas music and classic festive favourites, spreading the warm glow of the Scandinavian Christmas spirit. Reflecting on the project, the soprano expresses her long-standing desire to create this album. Lise says, “For Scandinavians, Christmas serves as a beacon of light in the midst of a lengthy winter. Perhaps that is why we embrace it so wholeheartedly.”

‘Christmas From Norway’ is an album particularly close to Lise’s heart – the holiday season not only being the singer’s favourite time of the year but also embodying her vision for music: breaking barriers and making it accessible to all without losing the craft. “Christmas is how I got into music” she recalls. “We listened to all kinds of music: choral music, popular music, and Norwegian songs.” A time when everyone can feel welcome to experience the beauty of classical music, even if they do not understand it fully at first, as she confessed “I’ve been in that situation myself a million times, wondering what’s going on… I’ve fallen asleep. I’ve not understood things. Classical music is for everyone, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to understand right away”. 

For this album, the soprano draws inspiration from the classic albums of iconic predecessors on Decca Classics, such as Kirsten Flagstad and Birgit Nilsson. The album features beautiful arrangements drawn from the label’s archive, originally made for such legendary singers as Luciano Pavarotti, Leontyne Price, and Renée Fleming.

1. O Helga Natt - Arr. Gamley and Hazel, 

2. No. 1 Weihnachten - E. Humperdinck, Weihnachtslieder, Arr. Mackerras

3. Silent Night - Arr. Cullen

4. Jul, Jul, stralande jul - Arr. Eggen

5. Deilig er Jorden - Arr. Eggen

6. Mitt hjerte alltid vanker - arr. Eggen

7. Julvisa, Op. 1 No. 4 - Arr. Eggen

8. X. Jesu bleibet meine freunde - Herz und Mund und Tat und Laben, Cantata 147arr. Hazel

9. No. 52 Maria Wiegenlied - Max Reger, Schlichte Weisen, Op. 76

10. Ave Maria, CG 89a (after J.S. Bach: Prelude in C Major, BWV 846), Arr. Sabatini

11. No. 25 Schlafendes Jesus - Hugo Wolf, Morike-Lieder

12. The First Noel - arr. Henderson

13. O Come All Ye Faithful - Arr. Gamley and Hazell

14. O Holy Night - Arr. Gamley and Hazel

https://www.deccaclassics.com/en/catalogue/products/christmas-from-norway-lise-davidsen-13116

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