One of this year's fine Christmas records is "Colors of Christmas" with the Bragernes Church's youth choir led by Beate Strømme Fevang. For just over 50 minutes, we meet both something familiar, and some a little more unknown Christmas music.
In fact, it is the girls themselves who have had to choose what to include on this record. Then we undeniably meet a slightly different record than the "regular" records with "Merry Christmas", "Delicious is the Earth", "You Green Sparkling Wood " and so on.
Things can get a little worn sometimes. Therefore, it is gratifying to listen to a record that sounds both youthful and exciting. For here the choristers have chosen music by, among others, Karin Rehnqvist, as well as the Norwegian composers Kim André Arnesen, Fredrik Sixten, Tove Knutsen, and Svein Møller. In addition to a couple of real international goodies such as "Carol of the Bells" by Mykola Leontovich and good and sensitive songs by John Rutter.
The mood is already set as the album begins with "Christmas Night" by Kim André Arnesen. Here, the choir brings with them musicians from, among others, the Oslo Philharmonic and KORK. As the album plays on, we meet several more eminent chamber musicians - in exceptionally good interaction with the choir.
The members of the choir are skilled with their diction and help to create a very good Christmas atmosphere. Because the plate is as varied as it is, it can withstand round after round in the living room. Because here there is also good variety in the Christmas songs. And it's always a little exciting to listen to a little newer and maybe a little unknown thing - also when it comes to a holiday most people love.
Find an evening that is starry. Sit down with a cup of hot chocolate and look at this record - then you can experience some musical magic from an exceptionally good youth choir.