50-strong Allmanna Sangen (the Uppsala, Sweden, University Choir), founded in 1830, is the oldest university choir in Scandinavia. Originally all male, it has been mixed-voice since 1963. Cecilia Rydinger Alin has been the conductor since 1988. Apart from domestic tours, international appearances have led to such awards as 'Choir of the World' at a 1992 competition in Wales, and first prize in the 1997 Grand Prix Competition in Tolosa, Spain. Here are 32 tunes, all in Swedish except Nils Lindberg's 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day.' Some favorites: Otto Lindblad's 'Langtan till landet,' Hans-Ola Ericsson's 'Under linden,' Viljo Tormis' 'Kihnu Island Wedding Songs' and 'Autumn Landscape' and Knut Hakanson's 'Stjarngossar.' A choral treat from Sweden! |