Marais, Pettersen & Vivaldi: The Norwegian Seasons

James D. Hicks takes a musical voyage with organ music of today, from the USA, to Iceland and Norway and back again, in Volume 17 - a double-CD - of his Nordic Journey series. Recorded in Bodo Cathedral, Norway, and in Hallgrimskirkje in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Experience the rich and vibrant sounds of Europe's Romantic tradition with our latest CD featuring music by four talented composers. Discover the little-known talent of Sigurd Lie, a highly skilled violinist and composer from Norway who studied with leading teachers in Leipzig and Berlin. Immerse yourself in the enchanting folk tale inspiration of Lie's "Huldra aa'n Elland" for violin and orchestra and be captivated by the playful and seductive solo violin performed by the renowned violinist Ragnhild Hemsing. Follow in the footsteps of Lie's compatriot, Johan Svendsen, a famous violinist and composer who studied in Leipzig and Paris and is best remembered for his Romance for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 26. Svendsen's work was admired by Belgian violinist and composer Eugène Ysaÿe and was reprinted 65 times. This CD is a must-have for any lover of the Romantic era, the diverse sounds of Norway and Europe, and the virtuosic performances of Hemsing.

After her award-winning album "Røta", Ragnhild Hemsing dedicates herself to the Norwegian national epic "Peer Gynt" and its musicalization by Edvard Grieg. Through the collaboration with the Trondheim Soloists the world-famous melodies resound in new arrangements for violin and Hardanger fiddle with string orchestra. "Edvard Grieg himself has said that his Peer Gynt music is inspired by Norwegian folk music. With that in mind, my desire through this project has been to penetrate deeper into the sound world of the Peer Gynt music and explore the exciting intersection between folk and classical music", says the Norwegian artist. From "In the Hall of the Mountain King" to "Morning Mood", her new album has everything you need to immerse yourself in the Nordic soundscapes and mythical sagas.

REVIEW:

Ragnild Hemsing once again makes a strong case for the Hardanger fiddle and, through Tormood Tvete Vik’s clever and tasteful arrangement of Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt music, brings it very close to Norwegian folk music. The 12 individual movements are played alternately by Hardanger fiddle and the violin.

Ragnild Hemsing plays beautifully and creates indescribably atmospheric moments that have never been heard before. The Trondheim Soloists accompany the soloist with beautiful sound that exactly reflects the mood of the music. This somewhat short CD (48') is a must, and not only for those who like to explore. There are also informative booklet texts.

-- Pizzicato