Norwegian Christmas
2024
Barokk Boreal brings to light hidden and forgotten Christmas treasures by 17th-century poets from all around Norway. The album “JULETIDE” features a fascinating collection of wonderful and miraculous Christmas songs about winter, angels, stars, Christmas night, moonlight, the stable, the manger, fishing under the sun, and peace on earth.
The songwriters included on the album are Iver Brinch, Ingeborg Grytten, Samuel Bruun, Johan Brunsmand, Samuel Bugge, Oluff Lind, Peder Offvid, Petter Dass, and Dorothe Engelbretsdatter—small and great giants of their time, who saw their songs printed and shared with the world.
For each song, there’s often something like “To be sung as: A small child so joyfully.” These poets wrote lyrics to melodies they knew by heart and assumed the reader would as well. Barokk Boreal has sought and found these melodies—both in folk tradition and in written sources from the 1600s—uncovering the same melodic material from two different sources.
In true Barokk Boreal style, each Christmas song is presented as a musical tableau, weaving together the folk performance traditions with written sources from the 1600s. Both sources are rich in variations, and Barokk Boreal embraces this diversity, treating each “child” in each melody family as equally original and equally valuable. Cathrine sings from the written Baroque sources, Øyonn from folk traditions, while Vegar and Ulrik play across both traditions.
This time, the producer is early music veteran Rolf Lislevand.
“Christmas music and Christmas songs are among the most beautiful things we have. ‘Here and now’ and times gone by, woven together. Old, unknown songs, and new variations on familiar ones.”
Cathrine Jane Bothner-By shares: “Since we began Christmas concerts in 2015, new Norwegian Christmas and New Year’s songs from the 1600s have constantly come to light. We knew we’d encounter truly wonderful Christmas texts and melodies in this material. Yet it’s still like finding gold every time. Then comes the exciting task of arranging them, following the moods, finding different ways to use the four of us in Barokk Boreal, and trying to bring out the beauty and richness of it all.
We’re so glad to have completed this recording, so more people can enjoy this treasure. Here you’ll find atmosphere and storytelling, wonder, subtle humor, and a hope for peace on earth.”
1 Engelbretsdatters Julesang 02:48
2 Oluff Linds Nyttarsgave 03:09
3 Samuel Bruuns Juleode 03:38
4 Petter Dass Juleevangelie I 03:23
5 Petter Dass Juleevangelie II 05:07
6 Iver Brinchs Julevise 02:24
7 Offvids Trekongerssang 04:03
8 Brunsmands Julenattsang 03:39
9 Samuel Bugges Vinterrim 03:46
10 Ingeborg Gryttens Juledikt 03:11
https://grappa.no/en/albums/simax-classics/juletide-julesanger-av-norske-1600-tallsdiktere/
Folks Tunes and Christmas Hymes Revitalized in "Helgasong"
Opheim, Tillung, Økland, Brunborg and Eilertsen revitalize beautiful and forgotten folk tunes and Christmas hymns on “Helgasong”.
“Helgasong” is a revitalization of religious folk tunes from Voss, Hardanger, Eksingedalen, and Øygarden. These Christmas hymns have been sung in Norway for hundreds of years, presented here in local variants with new arrangements. The older song tradition forms the backdrop—an individual voice singing alone, or harmonized voices in old homes.
Opheim, Tillung, Økland, Brunborg and Eilertsen revitalize beautiful and forgotten folk tunes and Christmas hymns on “Helgasong”.
“Helgasong” is a revitalization of religious folk tunes from Voss, Hardanger, Eksingedalen, and Øygarden. These Christmas hymns have been sung in Norway for hundreds of years, presented here in local variants with new arrangements. The older song tradition forms the backdrop—an individual voice singing alone, or harmonized voices in old homes.
Hymn texts that have held significant meaning for many, and therefore still remain today. “In deepest darkness, the sky becomes clear,” begins the second verse of “Now come God’s angels with greetings from the sky,” written by Elias Blix. These Advent and Christmas hymns tell us of the light being reborn each Advent and Christmas, at the Winter Solstice, when it is darkest in the north. Berit Opheim explains:
– The background story is a desire to highlight and share local folk tunes in Christmas hymns as part of Norway’s song tradition. Over the past couple of years, we’ve discovered several folk tunes in older notations, including those transcribed by Olav Sande. Beautiful melodies that are a joy to sing and to bring forward in new arrangements.
Some of these folk tunes haven’t been used in decades, making it an even greater pleasure to bring them out of dormancy. The ensemble includes Irene Tillung (accordion), Mats Eilertsen (double bass), Nils Økland (fiddles), Tore Brunborg (saxophone), and Berit Opheim (vocals). All the arrangements were collaboratively developed by the musicians, and the recording took place in August 2024 at Raundalskyrkja in Voss. Opheim continues:
– The recording process was very positive, with good days and a warm atmosphere in a room with rich acoustics, in the wooden church in Raundalen, Voss. The instrumentation was chosen based on the expression we wanted for the different songs, and to create variety on the album. The arrangements are largely collaborative, with much of the music being improvised.
The concert tour for Helgasong begins on December 15 in Ål Church, followed by performances in Kabuso, Øystese on 16.12, Mariakirken, Bergen on 17.12, Vangskyrkja, Voss on 18.12, and two concerts on 19.12 in Eksingedalen Church and Dale Church.
Berit Opheim emphasizes the central message, concluding:
– Regardless of what one believes, or what one finds in the texts, or likes, many people experience a sense of community and belonging when Christmas hymns are performed, especially when they participate in the singing. Singing often creates a strong sense of togetherness.
– The background story is a desire to highlight and share local folk tunes in Christmas hymns as part of Norway’s song tradition. Over the past couple of years, we’ve discovered several folk tunes in older notations, including those transcribed by Olav Sande. Beautiful melodies that are a joy to sing and to bring forward in new arrangements.
Some of these folk tunes haven’t been used in decades, making it an even greater pleasure to bring them out of dormancy. The ensemble includes Irene Tillung (accordion), Mats Eilertsen (double bass), Nils Økland (fiddles), Tore Brunborg (saxophone), and Berit Opheim (vocals). All the arrangements were collaboratively developed by the musicians, and the recording took place in August 2024 at Raundalskyrkja in Voss. Opheim continues:
– The recording process was very positive, with good days and a warm atmosphere in a room with rich acoustics, in the wooden church in Raundalen, Voss. The instrumentation was chosen based on the expression we wanted for the different songs, and to create variety on the album. The arrangements are largely collaborative, with much of the music being improvised.
The concert tour for Helgasong begins on December 15 in Ål Church, followed by performances in Kabuso, Øystese on 16.12, Mariakirken, Bergen on 17.12, Vangskyrkja, Voss on 18.12, and two concerts on 19.12 in Eksingedalen Church and Dale Church.
Berit Opheim emphasizes the central message, concluding:
– Regardless of what one believes, or what one finds in the texts, or likes, many people experience a sense of community and belonging when Christmas hymns are performed, especially when they participate in the singing. Singing often creates a strong sense of togetherness.
We hope to convey the closeness in these hymns, which have been so important to many for centuries. Intimacy, tenderness, grandeur, joy, and light—the hymns
1. No koma Guds englar 4:47
2. Den fagraste rosa er funni 5:20
3. I denne søte juletid 4:43
4. Oppå land 1:30
5. Eg er so glad kvar jolekveld 3:52
6. Fager er jordi 3:52
7. Fryd dig du Kristi brud 3:25
8. Her det ny som på jorderig skjedte 3:42
9. Eit barn er født i Betlehem 5:06Dei to systrena 1:24
10. Fra himlen høyt 3:39
https://grappa.no/en/albums/heilo/helgasong/
1. No koma Guds englar 4:47
2. Den fagraste rosa er funni 5:20
3. I denne søte juletid 4:43
4. Oppå land 1:30
5. Eg er so glad kvar jolekveld 3:52
6. Fager er jordi 3:52
7. Fryd dig du Kristi brud 3:25
8. Her det ny som på jorderig skjedte 3:42
9. Eit barn er født i Betlehem 5:06Dei to systrena 1:24
10. Fra himlen høyt 3:39
https://grappa.no/en/albums/heilo/helgasong/
Capriccio
Releases November 22, 2024.
Advent and Christmas are for many people a time for light and hope and warmth. Yet the world around us is cold and turbulent. Wars are being fought. People are fleeing from their homes. Children are dying. Thousands of people lack food and medicine. Our prayers are for peace. We sing "Beautiful is our Earth! Glorious is God’s heaven!" as a protest song for peace and justice, the world being unjust.
During Advent many of us are fond of the familiar and much-loved Christmas carols as we remember them from our childhood, and as they have been sung for generations. There are carols in these traditional arrangements on this album, but there are others in completely new arrangements, made specially for Uranienborg Vokalensemble and for this recording.
Christmas can be a festival that intensifies our feelings – what is good seems even better, and what hurts feels even more painful. Perhaps we have lost someone close to us: can we then sing "Oh, Christmas, so cheerful"? We know that there are people who look forward to Christmas but at the same time dread it, and we believe that Kjetil Bjerkestrand's arrangement brings out this element of equivocation and irony. The birth of Jesus – this is the message of Christmas! – a birth that changed the world for ever. May your Christmas be peaceful!
During Advent many of us are fond of the familiar and much-loved Christmas carols as we remember them from our childhood, and as they have been sung for generations. There are carols in these traditional arrangements on this album, but there are others in completely new arrangements, made specially for Uranienborg Vokalensemble and for this recording.
Christmas can be a festival that intensifies our feelings – what is good seems even better, and what hurts feels even more painful. Perhaps we have lost someone close to us: can we then sing "Oh, Christmas, so cheerful"? We know that there are people who look forward to Christmas but at the same time dread it, and we believe that Kjetil Bjerkestrand's arrangement brings out this element of equivocation and irony. The birth of Jesus – this is the message of Christmas! – a birth that changed the world for ever. May your Christmas be peaceful!
2015
| 1 | Bereden vag for Herran (arr. A | Sofia Vokalensemble & Bengt Ollen | 2:13 | ||||||
| 2 | Nu Vantar Hela Jorden | Sofia Vokalensemble & Bengt Ollen | 2:23 | ||||||
| 3 | Advents-och julsanger, Op. 33: | Henrik Arlestrand, Bengt Ollen & Sofia Vokalensemble | 5:00 | ||||||
| 4 | Madonnans Vaggvisa | Bengt Ollen, Sofia Vokalensemble & Jeanette Kohn | 3:03 | ||||||
| 5 | Marias Vaggvisa (after F. Grub | Bengt Ollen, Sofia Vokalensemble & Jeanette Kohn | 3:48 | ||||||
| 6 | Corpus Christi Carol | Sofia Vokalensemble & Bengt Ollen | 4:32 | ||||||
| 7 | Advents-och julsanger, Op. 33: | Bengt Ollen & Sofia Vokalensemble | 3:58 | ||||||
| 8 | Serenity (O magnum mysterium) | Sofia Vokalensemble, Bartosz Cajler & Bengt Ollen | 6:04 | ||||||
| 9 | Det hev ei rose sprunge (A Spo | Bengt Ollen & Sofia Vokalensemble | 2:51 | ||||||
| 10 | There is no Rose of Such Vertu | Bengt Ollen & Sofia Vokalensemble | 5:48 | ||||||
| 11 | O Magnum Mysterium | Bengt Ollen & Sofia Vokalensemble | 7:42 | ||||||
| 12 | Julsang (Se, julens stjarna st | Sofia Vokalensemble & Bengt Ollen | 3:23 | ||||||
| 13 | Glans over sjo och strand (Shi | Bengt Ollen & Sofia Vokalensemble | 1:55 | ||||||
| 14 | Jul, Jul, Stralande Jul | Bengt Ollen & Sofia Vokalensemble | 2:54 | ||||||
| 15 | Advents-och julsanger, Op. 33: | Sofia Vokalensemble, Bengt Ollen & Henrik Arlestrand | 3:48 |
Released in October 2015, Nordic Nativity is a wonderful exploration of beautiful music from Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark—some of it familiar and some of it new. The Nordic composers have a marvelous way of spinning a melody that gets inside you and stays there! Of course, the Christmas season is a perfect time for this and including some new music helps us realize that the Christmas season is about our thoughts of the past and our celebration of the present. Tying it all together is the fiddle—an instrument beloved in all these countries and one that adds just the right touch to a Nordic Nativity.
- Jul, Jul, Strålanda Jul (Gustav Nordqvist)
- Vanhahaa Maassi
- Einojuhani Rautavaara: Suomalainen rukouskirja
- Rachel DeVore Fogarty: The Song of a Shepherd
- Michael Praetorius, arr. Jan Sandstrom: Det at en Ros Utsprungen
- arr. Philip Brunelle: Dejlig er den Himmel Bla
- arr. Otto Olsson: Guds Son at fodd
- Egil Hovland: Det Finnes en Dyrebar Rose
- Gammel Reinlender
- arr. Ola Gjeilo: The Holly and the Ivy
- Agneta Skold: Corpus Christe Carol
- Kim Andre Arnesen: Cradle Hymn
- Martin Luther, arr. Gunner Idenstam: From Heaven High
- Sven-David Sanstrom: Julvisa
- Justine Merrit: Miles and Miles
- Jaakko Mantyjarvi: El Hambo
- Eklunda Polska #3
- arr. Gunnar Idenstam: Ringen I Klockor
Denmark:
Matti BORG (b.1956) Juledag from ‘15 Christmas and Wintersong’s [2:30]; Vinterskoven [2:17]; Julestjernen [2:11]; Helligtrekongersaften [1:49]
Sweden:
Dala chorale: Den signade dag
German folk melody: När juldagsmorgon glimmer
Gustaf NORDQUIST (1886-1949) Jul, jul, strålande jul
Alice TEGNÉR (1864-1943) Betlehems Stjärna
Denmark:
C. E. F. WEYSE (1774-1842) Velkommen igen Guds engle små
Dala chorale: Den signade dag
German folk melody: När juldagsmorgon glimmer
Gustaf NORDQUIST (1886-1949) Jul, jul, strålande jul
Alice TEGNÉR (1864-1943) Betlehems Stjärna
Denmark:
C. E. F. WEYSE (1774-1842) Velkommen igen Guds engle små
Povl HAMBURGER (1901-1972) Der er ingenting i verden så stille som sne [3:10]
Th. AAGAARD (1877-1937) Sneflokke kommer vrimlende
Matti BORG Hviler du min ven from Anderscenarier
Sweden:
Ruben LILJEFORS (1871-1936) När det lider mot jul
Emmy KÖHLER (1858-1925) Nu tändas tusen juleljus
Adolphe ADAM (1803-1856) Jul-sång
Matti BORG Vinternatt from 15 sånger til dikter av Gustaf Fröding
Faroe Islands:
Regin DAHL (1918-2007) Veturin kom við kulda og kava
Th. AAGAARD (1877-1937) Sneflokke kommer vrimlende
Matti BORG Hviler du min ven from Anderscenarier
Sweden:
Ruben LILJEFORS (1871-1936) När det lider mot jul
Emmy KÖHLER (1858-1925) Nu tändas tusen juleljus
Adolphe ADAM (1803-1856) Jul-sång
Matti BORG Vinternatt from 15 sånger til dikter av Gustaf Fröding
Faroe Islands:
Regin DAHL (1918-2007) Veturin kom við kulda og kava
Iceland:
Folksong: Sumri hallar
Folksong: Sumri hallar
Norway:
Per KNUDSEN (?) Jeg er så glad hver julekveld
Trad. O Jul med din glede
Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) No ser eg atter slike fjell og dalar
Per KNUDSEN (?) Jeg er så glad hver julekveld
Trad. O Jul med din glede
Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) No ser eg atter slike fjell og dalar
Finland:
Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Julvisa op.1 nr. 4; Demanten på Marssnön op.36 nr. 6 [2:38]
Armas MAASALO (1885-1960) Joulun kellot
Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Julvisa op.1 nr. 4; Demanten på Marssnön op.36 nr. 6 [2:38]
Armas MAASALO (1885-1960) Joulun kellot
Label: Bergen Digital Studi
- Hør Den Englesang Så Skjønn
- Stille Natt, Hellige Natt
- Maria Wiegenlied
- Gjetergutter Løper Fort Til Betlehem
- Ding, Dong
- Jul, Jul Strålande Jul
- Et Barn ER Født I Betlehem
- Mitt Hjerte Alltid Vanker
- Work(s)~Adventtoner Så Lystelig Klinger
- Work(s)~Seiersdag
- När Juldagsmorgon Glimmar
- He Is Born
- Lullay My Liking
- Star Carol
- Giv Mig Ej Glans
- Herdarna Spela För Barnet Jesus
- I Wonder As I Wander
- Deck The Halls
- Es Blühen Die Maien
- Heilige Nacht
- Exultate Jubilate~Alleluja
- Joy To The World
2014
This is a collection of favorite Christmas songs from the hit group in Scandinavia, the Nordic Tenors. Including O helga natt, the Christmas song, Go Tell It On the Mountain, Santa Lucia, Stille Natt, Marys Boy Child, When You Wish Upon a Star, We Rock You Merry Christmas and many others of both English and Norwegian/Swedish. 15 tracks
Recorded in the historic 950-year-old Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway in 2013.
1. Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain Carolyn Jennings (4:05)
2. O Come, All Ye Faithful John F. Wade, arr. John Ferguson and David Willcocks (4:08)
3. Corde natus ex parentis, Justin Merritt (4:32)
4. The Glory of the Father Egil Hovland (2:49)
5. The Word Was God Rosephanye Powel (2:25)
6. Mariavise fra Levanger, Traditional Melody from Levanger, arr. Tone Krohn (3:54)
7. Cradle Hymn Kim André Arnesen (5:30)
8. Carol of the Drum (Little Drummer Boy) Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati, and Harry Simeone (3:00)
9. Even When He is Silent Kim André Arnesen (5:31)
10. Night of Silence / Silent Night Daniel Kantor, arr. John Ferguson (4:00)
11. Nå tennes tusen julelys Emmy Köhler, arr. Odd Johan Overøye (2:19)
12. Jeg er så glad hver julekveld Peder Knudsen (1:33)
13. I Saw Three Ships English Traditional Carol, arr. Carolyn Jennings (1:20)
14. Lo, How a Rose e’er Blooming / The Rose Michael Praetorius / Amanda McBroom, arr. Craig Hella Johnson (5:30)
15. O Day Full of Grace Christoph E. F. Weyse, arr. F. Melius Christiansen (3:43)
16. This Little Light of Mine Traditional Spiritual, arr. Moses G. Hogan Jr. (4:32)
17. Go Where I Send Thee! Gospel Spiritual, arr. Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory (2:23)
18. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, arr. John Ferguson (3:07)
19. Beautiful Savior Silesian Folk Tune, arr. F. Melius Christiansen (3:53)
2013
With this original and wide-ranging Christmas collection, Grete Pedersen, artistic director of the Norwegian Soloists' Choir, combines 12th century hymns by Hildegard of Bingen with a carol by the Danish 20th century composer Per Norgard, as well as traditional Christmas psalms, in many cases sung to Norwegian folk tunes following age-old usages. The ensemble is once again joined by Berit Opheim and Gjermund Larsen as well as Rolf Lislev and Bjorn Kjellemyr.
| 1 Pr'torius Behold, a Rose Is Springing 2 Bingen O Vis 'Ternitatis 3 Bingen O Frondens Virga 4 Bingen Ave, Generosa 5 Fagerheim in This Blessed Christmas Time 6 NØRGÅRD the Joy of Christmas 7 Nordquist Yule, Yule, Radiant Yule 8 Traditional Old Marian Song 9 Traditional the Angels of God 10 Traditional the Fairest of Roses 11 Traditional My Heart Forever Dwells 12 Traditional a Christmas Verse 13 Traditional a Child Is Born in Bethlehem |
Label: BIS
2011
2009
My Heart is Ever Present: Music for Trumpet features Tine Thing Helseth, trumpet; Isa Katharina Gericke, soprano; Elise Batnes, leader and violin solo; the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra.
| 1 Batnes, Elise - in the Bleak Mid-Winter 2 Batnes, Elise - a Tiny Child So Full of Joy 3 Batnes, Elise - My Heart Is Ever Present 4 Batnes, Elise - Maria Wiegenlied 5 Batnes, Elise - Angels from the Realms of Glory 6 Batnes, Elise - Ode Zum Geburtstag Von Queen Anne 7 Eternal Source of Light Divine 8 Batnes, Elise - Sinfonia D-Dur G 8 9 Batnes, Elise - Ave Maria 10 Batnes, Elise - Angels Dance 11 Batnes, Elise - Buildt on the Rock the Church Doth 12 Batnes, Elise - Samson HWV 57 (Oratorium) (Auszug) 13 Let the Bright Seraphim 14 Batnes, Elise - Hymn 15 Batnes, Elise - None Shall Win Eternal Peace 16 Batnes, Elise - I Know a Stronghold in Heaven 17 Batnes, Elise - O Holy Night 18 Batnes, Elise - in Dulci Jubilo 19 Batnes, Elise - How Wonderful Is the Earth Label: Simax Classics  |
2008
2011
2007
Scandinavian Christmas offers festive choral harmonies—Nordic melodies, wintry beauty, and uplifting vocal celebration for the holidays.
1 Jeg Er Sa Glad
2 Af Hoiheden Oprunden
3 Den Yndigste Rose
4 Deilig Er Den Himmel Blaa
5 Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland
6 Ave Maris Stella
7 O Makalosa Stjarna
8 Guds Son Har Gjort Mig Frie
9 Ave Maris Stella
10 O Jul Med Din Glede
11 In Dulci Jubilo
12 Ave Maris Stella
13 Gammal Fabodpsalm Fran Dalarna
14 Gloria in Excelsis Deo
15 Jul, Jul, Stralande Jul!
16 Fra Himlen Hoyt Jeg Kommer Her
17 Ave Maria
18 Swedish Christmas Medley
19 Sinf Da Chiesa
Label: Loft
2005
In 2005, the renowned St Olaf Choir recorded "A St Olaf Christmas in Norway" with the Nidarosdomens Jentekor and esteemed soloist Randi Stene in Trondheim, Norway in the historic, 950 year old, Nidaros Catherdral. The recording honors Norway's 100 years of independence and celebrates the historic and cultural connections between St Olaf College and the country of Norway.
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