Choral music is a genre rarely associated with Edvard Grieg, but this CD reveals him as a composer with distinctive gifts for choral writing. He composed about 50 choral works, and this CD includes about half of them, including his final work, an a cappella setting of four Psalms. The pieces are notable for their musical variety; they include children's songs, folk-song arrangements, and music for liturgical use, and while many are recognizable as Grieg's work, several have an eccentric quirkiness that sheds new light on his musical personality. 'Kvalins halling,' for men's chorus and bass solo, a traditional Norwegian fiddle dance to which the composer sets nonsense syllables, is the most wonderfully odd; it has a kind of rocking, proto-minimalist pattern sporadically interrupted by bursts of late-Romantic harmonic effulgence. The collection contains one familiar work, a choral arrangement of 'Varen' (Last spring), perhaps his most famous solo song. The Psalms are models of expressive, harmonically rich Romantic vocal writing. The CD includes pieces for mixed voices as well as men's and women's choruses. The works presented here offer a wealth of attractive choral music that deserves to find a place in the repertoire of choirs interested in venturing beyond the standard literature. The Norwegian ensemble Grex Vocalis, conducted by Carl Hogset, sings with a warm, ringing tone; excellent intonation; and a beautiful blend. The soloists make a strong contribution; tenor Magnus Staveland sings with passion and sensitivity and bass-baritone Daniel Oskar Danielsson's boisterous performance adds to the rollicking fun of 'Kvalins halling.'

Regardless of how one might choose to celebrate Christmas today, we believe that this music can contribute atmosphere, light and hope at the darkest time of the year. Grex Vocalis and 2L have brought together some of the most beautiful Christmas music for a cappella choir. O magnum mysterium - the opening words of Midnight Mass at Christmas - also express the shepherds' awe upon seeing the child in the manger. The music of the festive season describes the great contrasts of the nativity. Here we find music inspired by the sense of wonder that the shepherds and the wise men must have felt on coming face to face with the great mystery. Grex Vocalis has given concerts in most European countries and in Japan. Participation in national and international choral competitions has resulted in several first prizes; in Arezzo in 1999 the choir was also awarded 'Il Gran Premio Citta di Arezzo' as overall best choir. Grex Vocalis has been awarded the Norwegian 'Grammy' for two of its thirteen albums. Grex Vocalis is renowned for its smooth, even sound - a combination of well-balanced timbre and shining overtones. Tuning each chord, and to create a unified shaping of each vowel, brings together all the individual voices to form an ensemble sound in which the vocal quality is greater than the sum of its parts. Carl Hogset's expertise in languages and singing is reflected in his music-making. Through his genuinely musical approach he leads his instrument - the choir - to moments of indefinable magic; the music must move, and we must be moved by the music.

Listen to Kling no Klokka in RealAudio.

Review pending