St Olaf Choir
The St. Olaf Choir, with 75 mixed voices, is the pioneer a cappella choir in the United States. For more than three-quarters of a century, the choir has set a standard of choral excellence and remained at the forefront of choral artistry. Directed since 1990 by Anton Armstrong, the St. Olaf Choir continues to develop the tradition that originated with its founder, F. Melius Christiansen. In 1996, the choir marked the 125th anniversary of his birth.
Since its founding, the St. Olaf Choir has set a standard in the choral art, serving as a model for choirs of all levels. The annual tour brings the choir's artistry and message to thousands across the nation and around the world, performing for capacity audiences in the major concert halls of Norway, France, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, New York City, Washington, D.C, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, and the Twin Cities. In 2000, the choir's annual concert tour retraced the historic tour of 1920 which introduced the ensemble to a national audience.
The choir also continues to be a vital artistic force with both an exciting calendar of events and a growing library of recordings. Visit our online media archive to hear the choir! The purpose of the St. Olaf Choir is to provide music of the highest quality which lifts people's hearts and spirits, incorporating a diversity of cultural voices and sounds into the chorus of the Christian faith. Many people experience this message through the college's annual Christmas Festival. But perhaps nowhere is the essence more clearly proclaimed than in the work that has become the choir's signature piece, Beautiful Savior.
Conductor: Anton Amstrong (Biography)
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The Song of Peace - Olaf C. Christiansen Messiah, Prince of Peace (Trinity Canticles) - Daniel Kallmen Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - John Ferguson For Unto Us A Child is Born (Messiah) - George Friedrich Handel In Terra Pax (Excerpt) - Gerald Finzi Before the Marvel of this Night - Carl Schalk Gloria - Olaf Gjeilo In Thee is Gladness - Giovanni G. Gastoldi The Christmastide (Jessye's Carol) - Donald Fraser -Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Felix Hendelssohn Bartholdy Noel! -Stecen Sametz Ding, Dong! Merrily on High - Felix Hendelssohn Bartholdy Glories Ring - Steven Amundson Carols for the Choirs: He Came Down tha We May Have Love - John Ferguson Carols for the Choirs: Love Has Come - F. Seguin Carols for the Choirs: On Christmas Night - English Traditional Carols for the Choirs: Toda La Tierra (All Earth Is Hopeful) - Alberto Taule Carols for the Choirs: Jeg er Sa Glad (I Am So Glad) - Peder Knudsen Carols for the Choirs: Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht (Silent Night, Holy Night) - Franz Gruber Joy to the World - Lowel Mason And God Said: One Day Shall Dawn (King David) - Arthur Honegger Beautiful Savior - F. Melius Christiansen |
F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the Music Department at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, planned and directed the first St. Olaf Christmas Festival in 1912. Over the next 96 years the Festival has grown to include, as individual groups and as a massed ensemble, the St. Olaf Choir, the St. Olaf Orchestra, the St. Olaf Cantorei, The Manitou Singers and the Viking Chorus and Chapel Choir. The result of the coming together of all this huge and joyous talent easily fills two CDs, 30 pieces with some narration that tell the story of Christmas, beginning with the all-instrumental "Messiah, Prince of Peace" and ending with F. Melius' gorgeous "Beautiful Savior." It's hard to pick favorites, but "For Unto Us a Child is Born" from Handel's "Messiah," Steven Sametz' "Noel!," Carl Schalk's "Before the Marvel of This Night," Donald Fraser's "This Christmastide" (Jessye's Carol), the 6-part medley "Carols for the Choirs" arranged by John Ferguson, F. Melius' lovely "Lullaby on Christmas Eve" and Arthur Honegger's "And God Said: One Day Shall Dawn" (King David) come easily to mind.
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Jachzet, dem Herrn, alle Welt - Bach When David Heard - Weelkes In Slumber, Peaceful Slumber - Nolte Misa Brevis in B-flat Major - Mozart Agnus Dei - Mozart Schaffe in min, Gott - Brahms Mass for Double Choir Sanctus - Martin Mass for Double Choir Agnus - Martin In Remembrance - Childs Sing Me to Heaven - Gawthrop Be Tho a Smooth Way - Johnson Amor de mi alma - Stroope A Boy and a Girl - Eric Whitacre O My Luve's Like a Red, Red Rose - Clausen If Music Be the Food of Love - Dickau Gospel Mass - Ray John the Revelator - Caldwell & Ivory |
Recorded on the campus of St. Olaf College in Boe Memorial Chapel between 2001 and 2006 this recording presents a great selection of material from this top a cappella choir. Whitacre's "A Boy and a Girl" is a particular delight.
| 8702 CD $15.95 |
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Requiem Kyrie Dies Irae Tuba Mirum Rex Tremendae Recordare Confutatis Lacrimosa Domine Jesu Hostias Sanctus Benedictus Agnus Dei Lux Aeterna Overture Introit Dies Irae Offertorium Sanctus Agnus Die Positude |
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their founding in 1986 as a co-ed a cappella rock and pop group from the University of Pennsylvania, the Loafers have appeared over the years on a number of excellent compilations of the best of collegiate a cappella; and on their own CDs, such as 1997's "Diesel," 1998's "Ride!," 2000's "On the Floor," 2002's "Stealing Time" and 2004's "Barely Legal." "Quicksand" has 14 rich, beautifully-arranged covers; a pair by Snow Patrol, "Chocolate" and "Run;" Maya Varthi has a wonderful lead on Aimee Mann's "Humpty Dumpty," and there's a pair of hot covers of Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You" and "Addicted," again featuring Varthi. Beck's "Girl," Chantal Kreviazuk's "Time" and Sia's "Breathe Me" are other favorites. The Loafers have a full, rich, confident sound with some of the best soloists we've heard at the collegiate level. Treat yourself to "Quicksand" and fall in love with the '05-'06 Penny Loafers!
| 8483 CD $15.98 |
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All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name (arr. John Ferguson) How Can I Keep from Singin (arr. Jeffrey Honore) I Was There to Heads (arr. Olaf C. Christiansen) Lift Up Your Heads (arr. Olaf C. Christiansen) In the Bleak Midwinter (arr. Bradley Ellingboe) Hope for Resolution (arr. Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory) The Hills Are bare at Bethlehem (arr. John Ferguson) My Faith Looks Up to Thee (Lowell Mason) When Peace Like a River (It Is Well With My Soul) (Philip P. Bliss) Lamb of God (arr. F. Melius Christiansen) The Church's One Foundation (arr. Mack Wilberg) The King of Love My Shepherd Is (arr. Mack Wilberg) Holy, Holy, Holy (arr. John Ferguson) Jesus Loves Me (arr. John Ferguson) Amazing Grace (arr. Keith McCutchen) This Little Light of Mine (arr. Moses G. Hogan) Go, My Children (arr. John Ferguson) |
The St. Olaf Choir has a long standing reputation of being one of the best college choirs in the country. Great Hymns of Faith II maintains the group's high standards of music making. This recording is a follow up to their immensely popular CD, Great Hymns of Faith, which has sold 270,000 copies. An assortment of some of the best loved hymns, this will surely be a favorite too. Led by Anton Armstrong, the choir sings familiar tunes such as "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," arranged by John Ferguson, "My Faith Looks Up To Thee," arranged by Lowell Mason and "This Little Light of Mine," arranged by Moses Hogan, as well as many arrangements by founder F.M. Christiansen. This CD also includes very informative notes on the meanings and original sources for the hymns. An excellent recording!
Listen to "The King of Love My Shepherd Is" in RealAudio
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Prelude, Trio & Chorus Interlude Aria for Baritone Chorus a cappella Interlude Intermezzo for String Quartet Interlude Double chorus a cappella Aria for Tenor Introduction to Finale Chorale & Finale Silence Unaccompanied: Adagio Sostentuto Evening Afterglow The Collection Duty/Vita/Duty Carol Sunrise Hymn Mists |
The Celestial Country was composed sometime before 1900, probably when Ives was organist at the fashionable First Presbyterian Church in Bloomfield, New Jersey, and it was scored for choir, strings and organ. This dramatic, symphonic work uses choruses, an a cappella chorus and instrumental interludes, and bold unresolved dissonances. Ives strives for a modern, more streamlined expression, though indulging in a Wagnerian finale, as much Wagner as he would ever display in a lifetime of composing. The veteran 75 mixed-voice St. Olaf Choir brings a fresh, immediate feel to this material, as if we are present for the first performance of this work in April, 1902 at Central Presbyterian Church in NYC. First we have the 12 movements of "Celestial Country," then 9 movements of "Silence Accompanied," written in the final years of Ives' creative life, the aftermath of WWI and the defeat of Wilson's plan for the League of Nations. "Aria for Baritone, "Chorus A Cappella," "Double Chorus A Cappella," "Aria for Tenor" and "Chorale & Finale" are particularly fine from "Celestial Country;" "Afterglow," "The Collection," "Duty/Vita/Duty," "Carol," "Sunrise" and "Mists" in "Silence." Beautifully illustrated, complete liner notes tell us all about the composer, the music and the Choir.
Listen to "Double chorus a cappella" in RealAudio.
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God is Here Fairest Lord Jesus Der Geist hilft unsrerSchwachheit auf Bogoroditse Devo Our Father Noel: Christmas Eve The Lord is an Evelasting God Stabat Mater Before I Go My Way Daemon Irrepit Callidus Water Night Yom Seh Le-Yisrael Take My Hand, Precious Lord My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord |
The St. Olaf Choir was founded by F. Melius Christiansen in 1911 who had come to St. Olaf College in 1903 to organize the music department. It was he who fostered the tradition of a cappella sacred music. Now Anton Armstrong is the fourth conductor in the history of the choir who adds his interest in the Western European choral music and both U.S. and global folk music into the repertorial mix of this historic choir. Thus we'll find folk songs, Bach, Rachmaninoff, and compositions of Kenneth Jennings who was the choir's third director. You will share sacred music from a variety of countries in a whole host of musical settings, from pure a cappella to selections accompanied by solo piano, organ, or viola. Lovely!
Listen to "Bogoroditse
Devo" or "My
Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord"
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Holy God We Praise Thy Name Great Is Thy Faithfulness Praise to The Lord Rise Up, O Men of God A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Children of the Heavenly Father We Praise You. O God From Heaven Above O Day Full of Grace Thy Little Ones, Dear Lord Bearutiful Savior Blessed Assurance Abide With Me What a Friend We Have In Jesus When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Let Us Talents And Tongues Employ Praise His Holy Name Here I Am, Lord Love Divine |
"Great Hymns of Faith" marks the first time the ensemble has produced an entire
recording of hymns. Traditional and new songs of faith include "A Mighty Fortress",
"Children of the Heavenly Father", "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross", "Great
Is Thy Faithfulness", "Here I Am Lord", as well as F. Melius Christiansen's
settings of "Praise to the Lord", and "Beautiful Savior". The selections are
performed here with the rich tonalities and emotional impact we've come to expect
from the internationally acclaimed St. Olaf Choir.
| 6416 CD $15.98 |
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The Lord's Prayer Exsultate Deo Coenantibus Autem Illis Praise The Lord, O My Soul Dilexi, Quoniam Wxaudiet Dominus Canticle: The Hungry Angels Lord Of The Dance Ngana (Songs Of passage) Three Scottish Folk Songs O Whistle And I'll Come To Ye My Love's In Germany I'll Ay Call In By Yon Town Halle, Halle, Halle The Lord Is My Shepard Worthy To Be Praised |
This half-a cappella 1997 recording is full of the rich, subtle artistry we've
come to expect from St. Olaf's. The CD opens with a lovely performance of Robert
Stone's "The Lord's Prayer" and Palestrina's popular "Excultate
Deo." Other highlights include Argentinian composer Roberto Caamaqo's beautiful
"Dilexi, Quoniam Exaudiet Dominus" and Australian composer Stephen
Leek's "Ngana."
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Cantate Domino Set Me As a Seal Keep Your Lamps Angels' Carol Alleluia A La Nanita Beautiful Savior Lord, Thee I Love I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me Singabahambayo Crucifixus Ah, Holy Jesus Kyrieleis What Wondrous Love Haleluya! Pelo Tsa Rona |
This recording of the St. Olaf Choir conducted by Dr. Anton Armstrong entitled Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises! features many highlights of the choir's recent touring repertoire. These choral settings reflect the increasing musical diversity that has become a hallmark of the ensemble.
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Three American Hymns Easter Morning God's Son Has Made Me Free Our Father Celestial Spring How Great Are Thy Wonders Today, Heaven Sings Sing Nowell, Sing Gloria King of Love Hacia Belen va un Borrico Ninc Dimittis Beautiful Savior |
Kenneth Jennings directs the St. Olaf Choir in twelve Christian songs and hymns,
all sung in English. "Three American Hymns" starts us off, followed by Paul
Christiansenºs "Easter Morning" and "King of Love," Griegºs "God's Son Has Made
Me Free," Alexander Gretchaninoff's "Our Father" and "Nunc Dimittis," F. Melius
Christiansen's lovely "Celestial Spring" and "Beautiful Saviour," Georg Schumannºs
"How Great Are Thy Wonders," Kenneth Jenningsº "Today, Heaven Sings," Olaf C.
Christiansenºs (these guys have to be brothers) "Sing Nowell, Sing Gloria" and
"Hacia Belen va un Borrico" arranged by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw. A cappella,
beautifully sung!
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Ain'a That Good News Swing Low, Sweet Chariot Soon Ah Will Be Done In His Care-O Hail Mary Mary Had A Baby Behold The Star There Is A Balm In Gilead Ev'ry time I Feel The Spirit Steal Away Ezekiel Saw De Wheel |
William Levi Dawson, born in 1899, was educated at Tuskegee Institute, the Horner Institute of Fine Arts, and the American Conservatory, and wrote his own "Dawson's Negro Folk Symphony" in 1934. He began publishing and recording his arrangements of traditional African-American spirituals in 1955, lovingly recorded here by the acclaimed St. Olaf Choir with Marvis Martin, soprano. Included are "Ain'-a That Good News," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Soon Ah Will Be Done," "In His Care-O," "Hail Mary," "Mary Had A Baby," "Behold The Star," "There Is A Balm In Gilead," "Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit," "Steal Away" and "Ezekiel Saw de Wheel." All a cappella, nice liner notes, great music!
Listen to Ain'a That Good News in Real Audio
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Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened Agnus Dei Easter Anthem My Heart Is Longing Salmo 150 O Sacrum Convivium Pinsesalme: Velsignede Morgen Cantate Domino Veni, Creator Spiritus O Day Full Of Grace Trois Chansons Bretonnes Danny Boy Pal Pa Haugen Jamaican Market Place O Sifuni Mungu Every Time I Think About Jesus He Never Failed Me Yet |
The acclaimed St. Olaf Choir brings us a rich, orchestrally-accompanied, mostly Christian sacred and traditional "Choral Tapestry," beginning with Handel's "Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened" and finishing with Robert Ray's "He Never Failed Me Yet." In between are William Byrd's beautiful Latin mass, "Agnus Dei," William Billings' "Easter Anthem," Lars Oftedal's lovely "My Heart Is Longing" (sung in both Norwegian and English), Ernani Aguiar's "Salmo 150" and Peter Mathews' "O Sacrum Convivium," both sung in Latin, Grieg¼s "Pinsesalme: Velsignede Morgen" from Peer Gynt, David Conte¼s "Cantate Domino," Richard Marlow's "Veni, Creator Spiritus," C.E.F. Weyse's lovely "O Day Full of Grace," Henk Badings¼ "Trois Chansons Bretonnes," sung beautifully in French, "Danny Boy," the lilting traditional Norweigian "Pal Pa Haugen," the rhythmic calypso tune "Jamaican Marketplace" (one of our favorites), the Swahili spiritual "O Sifuni Mungu," and the traditional spiritual "Every Time I Think About Jesus." Extensive liner notes, with all the words. A rich and sumptious Tapestry!
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Tishomingo Blues Introduction by Garrison Keillor Mambo St. Olaf travelogue: "Holiday in Delaware" Garrison talks about St. Olaf and Christiansen legacy Beautiful Savior Garrison talks about St. olaf and is choral tradition Keep Your Lamps Garrsion talks about St. Olaf College Um! Yah! Yah! Choral Blues Powdermilk Biscuit Theme Marimba Spiritual Have a Little Faith Holy Trinity Vignette Arroz Con Leche Danny Boy Winter Camping vignette Varen We Praise You, O God Children of the Heavenly Father |
Northfield, MN's St. Olaf College welcomed author and humorist Garrison Keillor to their campus in spring, 2001 for a benefit performance. It went so well he was back within a year with his "A Prairie Home Companion" for a live broadcast that included repeat performances with the St. Olaf Choir and Orchestra, and the Limestones, a six-male student a cappella vocal ensemble. This CD is all from that live performance. There are 21 songs, narrated throughout by Keillor. His "St. Olaf travelogue, Holiday in Delaware" has the audience in stitches as he describes St. Olaf denizens in hilarious detail, and his "Winter Camping vignette" is a classic. There are purely instrumentals like "Mambo (from West Side Story)," and "Varen (Spring), Op.33, No. 2);" but our favorites are a cappella and accompanied vocal pieces: "Beautiful Savior," "Keep Your Lamps," "Choral Blues," "Have a Little Faith" by the Limestones, "Holy Trinity vignette," "Arroz Con Leche," "Danny Boy," "We Praise You, O God," and "Children of the Heavenly Father." There is some percussion (by the St. Olaf Percussion Ensemble), and accompaniment on some songs. All in all, "Companion" is a fun and entertaining show, and a showcase for the musical talent of all types that clearly flourishes at St. Olaf.
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Brazilian Psalm I'm Going Home I Believe This Is Jesus Praise To The Lord Sommersalm Och Jungfrun Hon Gar I Ringen Norge, Mitt Norge Hvad Est Du Dog Skjon O Crux The Exaltation Of Christ |
This recording by the St. Olaf Choir under the direction of Kenneth Jennings was recorded live in The Grieg Hall at the Bergen International Festival in Bergen, Norway. The critics were unanimous in their praise of the concert: On many occasions we have had proof of the high standards of American University choirs, but among these St. Olaf stands at the very top . . . --Anton Chr. Meyer, Morgenavisen Bergen International Music Festival Of the many American choirs which have come to Norway over the years, St. Olaf Choir must be the very best. --Johan Kvandal, Aftenposten, Oslo
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On this 2 disc set of digitally remastered recordings one hears the legendary sounds of the St. Olaf Choir under the direction of F. Melius Christansen with famed soloist Gertrude Boe Overby.
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Olaf Christiansen's years as conductor of the St. Olaf Choir spanned some 27 years. He joined his father F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the choir, as co-director in 1941, and in 1943 became the sole conductor, a position he held until his retirement in 1968. This two-disc CD provides a sampling of music taken from restored recordings dating 1950 to 1968. The first disc contains music from the latter 1960s; the second, mostly from the 1950s
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Enjoy The St. Olaf Choir's stunning and innovative program from its 1997 concert tour of New Zealand and Australia
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In celebration of the 75th anniversary of its founding, the St. Olaf Choir under the direction of Kenneth Jennings embarked on its first tour of the Orient. The choir sang concerts in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the People's Republic of China and Hawaii. The tour was preceded by a gala concert at the World Theater in St. Paul.
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This album was recorded live by the St. Olaf Choir, Kenneth Jennings, conductor, at the magnificent Ordway Music Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota. The concert commemorated the 300th anniversary of the birth of J.S. Bach & Heinrich Schutz.
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An invitation to participate in the seoul Olympic Arts Festival in seoul, Korea, came as a spectacular honor to the St. Olaf Choir and director Kenneth Jennings . One of only five choirs in the world to be so honored, the St. Olaf Choir participated with four other choral groups, one each from Germany, Brazil, Canada and Japan, in a week-long International Choral Festival as part of a month-long celebration of the arts prior to the opening of the 1988 seoul Olympic Games. This two-disc live recording is from the "Regents' Concert" in Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, on August 11, 1988, sponsored by the St. Olaf College Board of Regents as a festive send-off for the choir.
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Lo, How A Rose e'er Blooming God So Loved The World - Stainer Climb To The Top Of The Highest Mountain - CArolyn Jennings Christ Is Alive Christus Paradox - Alfred Frank Lost In The Night Isaiah's Voice - John Ferguson A Spotless Rose - Herbert Howells Mary's Story And The Magnificat - John Ferguson The Road Ahead - Ian Kellam Arise Shine - PAul Webber And The Glory Of The Lord - Handel Joy To The World The Word Was God Karin Boye's Evening Pyayer - Egil Hovland Out Of Your Sleep Arise - Anthony Milner Gloria - Gyorgy Orban The Godly Stranger - G. Winston Cassler Go Where I Send Thee O How Beautiful The Sky Pat-A-Pan - Hershey Kay Betelehemu - Via OlaTunji Go Tell It On The Mountain Praise To The Lord - F. Melius Christiansen The Spirit Of The Lord - Britten All Hail The Power - Miles Lane Beautiful Savior |
This is a 2-CD set of one of the largest and most magnificent Christmas events, the 95th annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, featuring the St. Olaf Choir, St. Olaf Orchestra, St. Olaf Cantorei, Manitou Singers, Chapel Choir and Viking Chorus, performing both as individual groups and a massed ensemble. In reviews of previous festivals, we often wondered if anything had to be left on the cutting room floor, but with this 2-CD set removes all such thoughts. John Steiner's "God So Loved the World," Caroline Jennings' "Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain," "Christ is Alive," Founder F. Melius Christiansen's "Lost in the Night," John Ferguson's "Isaiah's Voice" and "Mary's Story and The Magnificat," Paul Webber's "Arise, Shine," Rosephayne Powell's "The Word Was God," Miles Lane's "All Hail the Power," Benjamin Britten's "The Spirit of the Lord"… these beautiful songs are interspersed with narration about the story of Christmas. If you have heard one or more of these collections, you will know how wonderful and inspiring they are. If you haven't, prepare yourself for a sumptuous Christmas treat!
Listen to "Lost In The Night" in Real Audio.
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Messiah, Prince Of Peace My Song In The Night Comfort: Comfort Come Thou Long Expected Jesus There Shall A Star Lift Up Your Heads Two Kings The Best Of Rooms From Heaven Above Sweet Was The Song O Come, O Come, Emmanuel O Come, All Ye Faithful Gaudette Silent Night I Saw Ships God's Son Has Made Me Free O Little Town Of Bethlehem Ding Dong! Merrily On High Gloria Shepard's Jubilee Angels' We Have Heard On High A Christmas Carol O Little Town Of Bethlehem Glorification Ring Out, Ye Crystal Spheres Once In Royal David's City Stay With Us Beautiful Savior |
For many people over the years, the celebration of the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany season has begun with the annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival, a cherished tradition of the college for nearly a century. The first festival, in 1912, was a worship service in song for the college community, planned and directed by F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the St. Olaf, a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.. Performing both as individual groups and as a massed ensemble are: The St. Olaf Choir, directed by Christopher Aspaas; The St. Olaf Cantorei, directed by John Ferguson; the Manitou Singers, directed by Sigrid Johnson; and the St. Olaf Orchestra, directed by Steven Amundson.
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Canticles Of Light O Come All Ye Faithful Lux Aurumque O Helga Natt True Light Juleverset O Yule, Full Of Grace Jeg er sa' glad hver Julekveld Carol Of The Bells Lullyby On Christmas Eve Our Father Hope For Resolution Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Stay With Us Beautiful Savior Light Everlasting Et Barn Er Fodt I Bethlehem Julemotet Geistliches Wiegenlied Op. 91 no. 2 Jeg Er Verdens Lys O Day Full Of Grace |
This special is the seventh in a popular series of PBS holiday concerts that have featured the St. Olaf Choir. The Christmas concert commemorates the centennial of Norway's independence and the cultural roots of St. Olaf College, founded in 1874 by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants. Singing in the majestic, 900-year-old Trondheim Cathedral was a highlight for the internationally known St. Olaf Choir, which has performed in prestigious music venues around the world since its founding in 1912 by F. Melius Christiansen, a Norwegian immigrant. Christiansen established the choir's distinctive style of a cappella singing, a tradition carried on today by artistic director and conductor-and St. Olaf College alumnus-Anton Armstrong.
| 7970 CD $15.98 | 7970 DVD $24.98 |
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Adagio (Enigma Variations) In The Splendor Light Everlasting Come Thou Long Expected Jesus For unto us a Child Is Born A Spotless Rose Psalm 36 O nata lux De Lumine Our Father All My heart This Night Rejoices Lo, How a Rose Joy To The World All This Night Only Only Begotten Son The Three Kings I Saw Three Ships Candlelight Carol O Little Town of Bethelehem In The Bleak Midwinter True Light Angels' Dance Jeg Er Sa Glad O Day Full of Grace Child of Light Lord of Light Beautiful Savior |
"Child of Light" is a 2 CD set recorded at the 93rd Annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival, performed in December of 2004 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and it includes the Chapel Choir, Manitou Singers, St. Olaf Cantorei, St. Olaf Choir, St. Olaf Orchestra, and Viking Chorus, performing as individual groups and as a massed ensemble. The CDs included narration and instrumental works, but the focus is on the voices and the beautiful traditional and original Christmas music. We particularly liked Graeme Morton's "In The Spendor" and "A Spotless Rose," Olaf Christiansen's "Light Everlasting," Alexandre Gretchaninoff's "Our Father" and "Only Begotten Son," John Rutter's "Candlelight Carol," Steven Amundson's "Angels' Dance," traditional hymns "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus," Handl's "For Unto Us A Child Is Born," "Lo, How A Rose," "I Saw Three Ships," "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Beautiful Savior" by F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the music program and the event in 1912. 32 cuts, many symphonically accompanied. Powerful, beautiful, triumphant music from one of the oldest and finest Christmas music festivals in America.
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Prologue (The Apostles) Hark, The Glad Sound (arr. John Ferguson) God of Life (The Seasons) There Is A Balm in Gilead (arr. William Dawson) A Stable Lamp Is Lighted (David Conte) Come, Healing Light (Robert Scholz) There Is A Flower (John Rutter) He Comes To Us (arr. John Ferguson) Hark! The Heral Angels Sing (arr. John Ferguson) Joyous Noel (Steven Amundson) Long, Long Ago (Herbert Howells) Ring Glad Bells (Graeme Morton) Alleluia (Ralph Manuel) Sanctus (Manzoni Requiem) (Giuseppe Verdi) Farandole (L'arlesienne Suite 2) (Georges Bizet) Carols from Around the World (arr. Carolyn Jennings) Jeg er Sa Glad (arr. Robert Scholz) Praise To the Lord (arr. F. Melius Christiansen) The Spirit of the Lord (The World of the Spirit) (Benjamin Britten) Nunc Dimittis (Rene Clausen) Beautiful Savior (arr. F. Melius Christiansen) |
This sumptuous CD was recorded at the 91st annual St. Olaf College (MN) Christmas Festival, Dec. 5-8, 2002. The first festival was founded in 1912 by F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the Music Department at St. Olaf, an Evangelical Lutheran Church college. From the pictures and videos of this event we1⁄4ve seen, with massed choirs, huge orchestra and giant painted Christmas backdrops, it1⁄4s not surprising that the music is as symphonic, dramatic and beautiful as any we've heard. 23 songs, some of our favorites: "Edward Elgar's Prologue" (The Apostles), Haydn's amazing "God of Life" (The Seasons), David Conte1⁄4s "A Stable Lamp Is Lighted", John Rutter's a cappella "There Is A Flower", John Ferguson's soaring "He Comes to Us," Herbert Howell1⁄4s moody a cappella "Long, Long Ago," "Jeg Er Sa Glad," "Praise to the Lord" and the final cut, "Beautiful Saviour," both arranged by F. Melius Christiansen. Stunning!
| 6946 CD $15.98 |
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O Savior, Throw The Heavens Wide Hail, Gladdening Light Let All Mortal Flesh There is No Rose Of Such Virtue Benedictus Carols & Lullabies: Christmas In The Southwest All This Night In Terra Pax Cherubim Song Rejoice, Rejoice This Happy Morn What Sweeter Music Gloria In Excelsis Deo Here's A Pretty Little Baby! Laudate Dominum (Une Cantate De Noel) Angels' Dance At The Manger: Carols For Choirs Night Of Silence / Silent Night O Little Town Of Bethlehem O Day Full Of Grace The Spirit Of The Lord Once In Royal David's City Nune Dimittis |
Those familiar with the works of St. Olaf's know that the choir is part of a long tradition of Scandinavian chorale singing, which often features the compositions and arrangements of the venerated F. Melius Christiansen. One of his arrangements, "O Day Full of Grace," is included here, as well as a seventeenth century spiritual, "O Savior, Throw the Heavens Wide"; a Greek vespers (evening prayer service) hymn, "Hail, Gladdening Light," and various other liturgies. There is piano accompaniment on "Gloria in excelsis Deo" and the spiritual, "Here's a Pretty Little Baby." The purity of the tones and blend is all the more amazing, as the recording was done live. Elegant and pristine.
| 6466 CD $15.98 |
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Adagio Light Everlasting Keep Your Lamps There Shall A Star Lost in the Night Pilgrim's Hymn Adam Lay Ybounden All This Night Mary Speaks Gloria What Child Midnight Clear Come to the Cradle The Song of Peace The Little Light of Mine Oh, How Joyfully Pat-A-Pan Carols for Choir and Orchestra O Day Full of Grace Dona Nobis Pacem Stay With Us Beautiful Savior |
The St. Olaf Choir was formed in 1911 by Dr. F Melius Christiansen, a Norwegian immigrant. So began a tradition of a cappella choral sacred music that remains strong and vital today. 23 pieces, such songs as Edward Elgar's "Adagio," Christiansen's "Light Everlasting," and "The Song Of Peace," Bartholdi's "There Shall Be A Star," Paulus' "Pilgrim's Hymn," Daniel Gawthrop's "Mary Speaks," Paul Lohman's "What Child," our friend Moses Hogan's arrangement of "This Little Light of Mine," Williams' "Dona Nobis Pacem," Hovland's "Stay With Us" and "Beautiful Savior." The music is that of angels, and the focus of this wonderful CD is what the holiday is all about, the birth of Christ. Excellent!
Listen to "Adam Lay Ybounden" in Real Audio.
| 6768 CD $15.98 | 6768 DVD $24.98 |
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My Song In The Night Freedom Is Coming P'eng You This Christmastide (Jesse's Carol) Jeg Er Sa Glad Hver Julekveld The Friendly Beasts Angel's Carol Carol Of the Bells Water Under Snow Is Weary Ai, Nama Mamina O Yule Full Of Gladness O Little Town Of Bethlehem Star In The East: A Suite Of Carols I Believe This Is Jesus A La Nanita El Nino Go Where I Send Thee |
The St. Olaf Choir was formed in 1911 by Dr. F Melius Christiansen, a Norwegian
immigrant. So began a tradition of a cappella choral singing that continues
under the present direction of Anton Armstrong, himself an alumnus of St. Olaf
College. Armstrong has incorporated compositions from other cultures, which
comprise a good portion of this CD's content. The Latvian "Ai, Nama Mamina,"
South-African "Freedom Is Coming" and Chinese Folk Song, "Peng You," among others,
offer fresh contrast. Several tracks have unassuming accompaniment, such as
the flute on "Water Under Snow Is Weary." The arrangements are conventional
in approach and seek to calm, rather than excite. The overall vocal timbre,
while grounded in the Western classical tradition, retains a natural unstudied
quality.
| 6461 CD $15.98 |
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Fantasia On Greensleeves Lift Up Your Heads Ruler Of Heaven Vox Dicentis: Clama Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming? Softly, Softly Fell The Snow Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day Salvation Is Created Hodie, Christus Natus Est Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful From Heaven Winging Shepherds, Shake Off Your Drowsy Sleep From Heaven Above Dance Of The Shepherds What Child Is This? Carols For The Choirs Praise The Lord, O My Soul I Saw Three Ships O Day Full Of Grace And God Said: The Day Shall Dawn |
A Christmas Tradition at St. Olaf College in Northville, MN, since it was begun in 1912 by the late F. Melius Christianson, the St. Olaf Christmas Festival is an expression of the school's Christian conviction and rich musical heritage. Included are the St. Olaf Choir, chapel Choir and the Viking Chorus, the Campus Choir, the Manitou Singers, the St. Olaf College Orchestra and the St. Olaf Handbell Ensemble. Thousands of people attend the concerts year after year, and they are treated to a magnificent, dramatic retelling of the Christmas story in song. All orchestrally accompanied, there are 21 songs, beginning with the magical "Fantasia on Greensleeves" and continuing from the sacred, like "Vox Dicentis: Clama" and "Hodie, Christus Natus Est," to familiar carols, "Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming?," the title tune and "I Saw Three Ships," to the eclectic, lesser-known Christian music, "And God Said: The Day Shall Dawn" and "Salvation Is Created." "What Child Is This" is a wonderful collection of choral and orchestral talent, marvelous music arranged and directed by the finest, culminating in a huge, multi-faceted pageant of celebration and praise!
| 6719 CD $15.98 |
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This Night (Setting by F.M. Christiansen) In the Beginning (Paul Sjolund) Appalachian Spring (excerpt) (Aaron Copland) O Come, All Ye Faithful (arr. C. Forsberg & D. WIllcocks) And the Glory of the Lord from "Messaih" (George F. Handel) O Magnum Mysterium (Jacob Handl) Ding-Dong Merrily On High (French Carol Medley, arr. John Ferguson) Glorify the Lord With Me (Jean Berger) Good Christian Friends, Rejoice (arr. Charles Forsberg) O Gladsome Light (Alexander Gretchaninoff) Sing A New Noel (French Carol, arr. E.H. Geer) Danse Vllageoise from "Suite Pastorale" (Emmanuel Chabrier) Today There Is Ringing (F.M. Christiansen) Guiding Star Carol (Danish Carol arr. Olaf Christiansen) Lullaby on CHristmas Eve (F.M. CHristiansen) Now Is Born Emmanuel (14th c. German Carol) Angels from the Realms of Glory (arr. Charles Forsberg) Alleluia from "Brazilian Psalm" (Jean Berger) Sanctus from "Missa Brevis" (Knut Nystedt) The Godly Stranger (F. Winston Cassler) Walk As Children of the Light (Randall Thompson) Praise To the Lord (arr. F.M. Christiansen) Psalm 150 (excerpt) (Alberto Ginastera) Rise, Shine, You People (arr. Charles Forsberg) Beautiful Savior (arr. F.M. Christiansen) |
Out of Darkness Let Me Shine is the 75th anniversary recording of the Christmas at St. Olaf festival. This program features the many combined choirs and orchestra of this legendary musical institution. Selections include many hymns set by the music school founder F. M. Christiansen (This Night; Praise to the Lord; Beautiful Savior) and his son and successor Olaf (Guiding Star Carol; Now is Born Emmanuel) and pieces by George F. Handel (And the Glory of the Lord from Messiah)and Randall Thompson (Walk as Children of Light). This CD is full of a variety which is sure to have something for everyone.
| 7067 CD $15.98 |
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The St. Olaf Choir, under the direction of Kenneth Jennings, sings a variety of Christmas music and Brahms' Liebeslieder Waltzes on this beautiful recording.
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Broadcast world-wide in 1989, this program of choral Christmas music was featured in a one-hour PBS special.
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The Purple Robes F. Melius Christiansen Music At St. Olaf The Choir Is Born Tours In The Twenties Norway And Germany in The 30's The F. Melius Mode Olaf C. Christiansen Transition Years On Tour With Olaf And Fred Sing To The Lord With A New Song Kenneth Jennings A New Style European Tours To The Orient Anton Armstrong Focus On The Future Beautiful Saviour |
The definitive history of the world-renowned St. Olaf Choir under the direction of F. Melius Christiansen, Olaf Christiansen, Kenneth Jennings, and Anton Armstrong, from its meteoric rise to fame in the late 1920s to its continued leadership as one of America's premier choral ensembles in the world today.
| 6453 BOOK $29.95 |
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