Erik Hillestad & Karoline Krüger // Jakobmesse

A mass for people on the move.

With soloists: Marian Lisland, Per Øystein Sørensen and Åshild Stensrud

Håvar Bendiksen (guitar)

Vemund Stavness (bass)

Arnfinn Bergrabb (drums)

Øivind Kristiansen (grand piano, organ, keyboards)

In the autumn of 2000, six months after KKV moved into Jacob's church, designated "Kulturkirken", the Culture Church, celebrations of Jacob's Mass started. Now this mass is being released on CD.

Jacob's Mass finds its inspiration in the travel motif as St. Jacob was the patron saint of pilgrims. Thematically, the text of the mass is about a life that is full of rapid changes and restless travel. The backdrop is the story of Jesus Christ sleeping in the boat on Lake Genesareth, under the gaze of his disciplines, until a terrible tempest bursts forth, causing the disciplines to be seized with fear.

The mass, a joint venture between Kirkens Bymisjon (Urban Mission) and Studentprestene (Student Ministers) in Oslo was written by Karoline Krüger and Erik Hillestad, and has been performed every Sunday night in the church during the winter months. The idea was to celebrate a mass with no sermon, where the focus would rather be on music, an intimate presentation of Biblical texts and interaction in a warm setting. The ambition of the mass is to create a new liturgical language. The music is delightfully melodious. The cantors and the congregation are accompanied by a band on piano, guitar, bass and drums.

The Mass was recorded live in the church and has been mixed by Alf Christian Hvidsteen at Studio Nordraak. Erik Hillestad has produced the record.

The CD version has been edited to present a total musical experience.

Track list:

1. Bønnerop                                            0:15

2. Introitus                                               3:35

3. Syndsbekjennelse                             3:45

4. Kyrie                                                   4:35

5. Gloria                                                  4:10

6. Credo                                                 3:50

7. Forbønn                                              5:25

8. Sanctus                                              3:00

9. Agnus Dei                                           8:30

10. Velsignelsen                                     3:10