CCMusic.com

Nordic Voices interprets Gisle Kverndokk. Writing music for Nordic Voices is to push the boundaries of what you believe is possible. Kverndokk has written an entire album for Norway's leading vocal ensemble. When partnering with Nordic Voices, Kverndokk is allowed to go to the core of his musical expression on this release. The starting point for the mass was a 'Missa Brevis' commissioned by Nordic Voices to Fartein Valen Days in 2002. Kverndokk developed the melodic themes based on Fartein Valens 2nd sonata, while the lyrics are the traditional Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus and Agnus Dei. The two pieces with orchestra are 'Fuge der Zeit', written to Gloger Festival in Kongsberg, and 'The Seven Last Words of Christ' - a further development of the music to his opera 'Påske' (Easter), based on Strindberg's drama, which premiered in the spring of 2014.

Nordic Voices attracts international attention not only with their musical level, but also with the strong commitment to new music. The ensemble's well-conceived and creative concert programming - often involving a subtle element of humor - had led them to become a much sought-after group on the international scene.