Oslo Domkor // Blant alle Englers Sang // CD

KKV are pleased to present the second recording in the series of hymns from Oslo Church Choir.

All Saints’ Day is a day for memories. Some people gather around the grave of their loved ones with flowers and candles. Others go there in their thoughts. What many of us have in common on this day is that we devote some time for reflection and remembrance.

The hymns are one of our greatest treasures. They contain the deepest insight into longing, consolation and joy. Terje Kvam and Oslo Church Choir bring this material to life, being true to the origins, but at the same time being in harmony with our own time.

On Blant alle englers sang you will find the more familiar and traditional Norwegian All Saints’ hymns as well as some new, unfamiliar ones. Recordings were made in church, the way we are used to hearing them, and the central idea is to communicate the message of the texts, with the music lighting up as a natural backdrop.

Kåre Nordstoga (organist in Oslo Cathedral), one of Scandinavia’s leading organists, takes part on this recording. Trond Kverno is behind many of the beautiful musical arrangements. Magne Harry Draagen takes part as organist. Terje Kvam again shows his ability to combine words and tunes, music and theology, giving the hymns both intense life and artistic expression.

Det Hellige Kors (The Holy Cross) was the first recording in this series. The next recording will be released in 2002, the same year that Oslo Church Choir celebrates their 20^th anniversary.

About Oslo Domkor and Terje Kvam:

Oslo Domkor is one of the leading choirs in Norway, and it participates actively in Oslo Cathedral’s services, deepening the church year’s lithurgy on the artistic arena. Oslo Domkor gives around 20 concerts per year with different repertoirs, and cooperates with Oslo Baroque Orchestra, performing ”authentic” church musical works in Oslo Cathedral. The choir also contributes in the renewal process of choir repertoir and church music, bringing it into our own time. Oslo Domkor also performed at The Royal Wedding this year for 300 million viewers.

Terje Kvam (1944) is artistic leader and founder of Oslo Domkor. He works as organist in Oslo Cathedral. Terje Kvam has made the choir well known in Europe, through concerts, recordings and prizes. Terje Kvam is strong-willed and has the ability to lift both known and forgotten masterpieces through strong and personal interpretations. He always builds the music around its own premises and its inherent energy.

Track list:

1. Saligprisningene                                                                  4:44

2. Jerusalem, du by å Herrens høgd                                     3:59

3. Bedre kan jeg ikke fare                                                       3:17

4. Når mitt øye trett av møye                                                 4:54

5. Unn meg Gud, et lite rom                                                  2:38

6. Hvor er det got å lande                                                      2:15

7. Heilag er kyrkja her                                                            4:18                

8. Hen over jord                                                                     2:54

9. Eg veit i himmerik ei borg                                                 5:04

10. Guds menighet er jordens største under                       4:07

11. Nærmere deg, min Gud                                                   5:09

12. Orgelkoral                                                                         1:57

13. Den store hvite flokk                                                        4:45