Lund's Student Choral Society dates its origin from 1831 and is now one of Sweden's oldest choirs, directed since 1972 by the choir's artistic director, Folke Bohlin. Men's choral singing in the Nordic countries, like the romantic movement in art and literature, is a child of the early 19th century and has its roots in academic life. Thus it is no accident that these 20 songs are divided into the groups 'Songs About Song,' 'Historical Romanticism,' 'Scenes from Peasant Life,' 'Nature and the Heart' and 'Love Portraits.' Particularly strong are Edvard Grieg's 'Sangerhilsen' and 'Min dejligste tanke,' Jean Sibelius' 'Venematka,' Friedrich Reissiger's rousing 'Olav Trygvason,' Peter Heise's 'Dans! ropte felen' and 'I skoven,' August Soderman's 'Ett bondbrollop' and 'O jeg vil ha'e mig en hjertenskjaer,' Peter Lange-Muller's 'Serenade,' and Sten Broman's 'Dolly.' All in Swedish, extensive liner notes give info about the words, music and history. 'Nordic Romance' is powerful, moving music from another culture and time.

Founded in 1831 and one of Sweden's oldest and most respected all-male choirs, Lund's Student Choral Society sounds (and looks, from the photo on the cover of the singers in their uniforms and white caps) like a group you would see in concert in the early 19th century. With its roots in academia and the romantic movement in literature and art, passionate, dramatic Nordic men's choral singing has not lost any of its power. There's not really a weak cut here, but we'll tap Otto Lindblad's 'Langtan till landet,' 'Ur Ossians dunkla sagovarld' and 'Angbatssang,' Jacob Josephson's rousing 'Varsang,' Herman Palm's nostalgic 'Under ronn och syren,' Henrik Moller's 'Island,' Joseph Hedar's stirring 'Lundagard' and Axel Melander's gentle 'Karlekens visa' as favorites. This music from 19th century romantic composers, sung by an all-male choir from that era, is like stepping into a vocal time machine. 'Sjunger in Varen' is a rare treat, authentic sounds from the past that can still move and stir us today.