Kim André Arnesen: new score celebrates Nordic Christmas
Nordic Christmas, now published as a vocal score, sees composer Kim André Arnesen celebrating Christmas music from his home region in Northern Europe.
Collecting seven carols originating from three countries, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, Kim André Arnesen’s Nordic Christmas was written in honour of the 125th anniversary of Sons of Norway (an organisation that represents people of Norwegian heritage in North America). The composer travelled to Minnesota in 2019 for the premiere by the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, the work’s commissioner, conducted by Philip Brunelle. Two additional carols were written for the Nidaros Cathedral Girls’ Choir in Trondheim, making the complete set of seven as published in the new score, totalling 25 minutes of music.
These SATB arrangements capture the enchanting imagery associated with the Christmas season, from the joy of singing in O Yule, full of gladness and the excitement of Jesus’s arrival in A Child is born in Bethlehem, to the chiming bells in Christmas bells across the earth and the wonder of the star in Lovely is the dark blue sky.
The composer commented in an interview with VocalEssence: “I looked at works that have been personal favourites in my life and those I thought had the greatest potential in this larger setting, but I also hunted for music that deserved more attention, both in the Nordic countries and internationally.” Arnesen hopes that the collection will reach out to singers and listeners, not just to those of Nordic heritage but far beyond: “it would be wonderful if they discover a new favourite carol! Whether they play the music at home, sing it to their families, or share it with a choir they sing in, I’d like these Nordic jewels to reach a wider audience.”
Available in print and digitally, the newly published SATB vocal score includes piano accompaniment, and can also be used by choirs performing the version of Nordic Christmas with ensemble accompaniment, with performing parts available on rental from Boosey & Hawkes. The new vocal score includes texts in both English and Norwegian, and offers opportunities for performance of individual carols and selections as well as the complete collection. There is also a version of Nordic Christmas for upper voices SSAA (vocal score available as a digital download), which can be performed with piano or ensemble.
> Visit www.boosey.com/NordicChristmas
More Christmas titles by Kim André Arnesen:
> Above the weary waiting world (SATB & piano)
> His Light in Us (SATB & piano or strings)
> I will light candles this Christmas (SATB & piano or orchestra)
> I will light candles this Christmas (SSAA & piano or orchestra)
> The Isaiah Carol (SATB a cappella)
> Virgo virginum (SSA & piano or organ)
In addition to Nordic Christmas, other large-scale works by Kim André Arnesen include Stabat Mater (SATB or SSAA with chamber orchestra or organ), which has become a regular favourite for programmes at Passiontide, and the Holy Spirit Mass (SATB with organ or strings and piano), which receives its Swiss premiere on 9 November with the Konzertchor Harmonie and Zürich Symphony.
> Further information on Work: Nordic Christmas (for SATB chorus and piano)
Arnesen Photo: Ole Wuttudal