The Danish folk ballad in its classical form is an epic medieval poem with a lyrical refrain, transmitted in oral tradition, most likely started in the 13th century. All the folk ballads in this collection have been set for four mixed voices a cappella, and represent Danish composers throughout more than a hundred and fifty years. Canzone Vocal Ensemble’s earlier releases include very popular “The Danish Song Treasury” series (Vol. 1 Kontrapunkt 32073, Vol. 2 Kontrapunkt 32130, Vol. 3 Kontrapunkt 32155 and Vol. 4 Kontrapunkt 32230)

“A Wondrous Love Story” takes its base in Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde” as its sub title “Tristan Variations”indicates. Danish composer Bent Lorentzen has won numerous fi rst prizes in international competitions for composers. He is among the fi rst Danish composers “A Wondrous Love Story” takes its base in Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde” as its subtitle “Tristan Variations” indicates. Danish composer Bent Lorentzen has won numerous first prizes in international competitions for composers. He is among the first Danish composers to explore the sonic element of music. “A Wondrous Love Story” has been performed in German and Danish theatres to the critics and audience’s acclaim.

Cellist Troels Svane chose Max Reger’s complete cello works for his debut CD as soloist. Troels Svane is now 31 years old and landed the principal cellist’s position at the Copenhagen Philharmonic at the age of 19. After four years with the Philharmonic he became soloist and has since performed as a recitalist and chamber musician throughout Europe, South and North America. As the member of the Copenhagen Trio he has recorded 20 CDs for Kontrapunkt label.

One of the most prolific composers of this century Niels Viggo Bentzon’s works from the last seven decades are superbly presented here by Ensemble Nord with a few guest artists including the composer himself who performs a series of attractive solo piano works.

Trio Soleil consists of Denmark’s foremost pianist Elisabeth Westenholz, the principal clarinetist of the Danish National Radio Symphony orchestra Niels Thomsen and Tim Frederiksen who is the newly appointed professor (in viola) at the Royal Danish Academy Of Music in Copenhagen.

Denmark’s leading composer Ib Nørholm’s recent work “The Elf Mirror” Op. 141 received tremendous reviews after its premiere in Copenhagen in the spring of 1997. One major newspaper called it “a milestone in the Danish music history”. Kontrapunkt release 32262 is the live recording of that concert. This work is now nominated for the prestigious Nordic Council’s Music Prize.