Composer: Various
Works: Sibelius: Var det en dröm, Flickan kom ifrån sin älsklings möte, Svarta rosor, Säv, Säv, Susa, Demanten på marssnön, Höstkväll, Våren flyktar hastigt; Grieg: En svane, Fra monte pincio, Våren; Rangström: Melodi, Bön till natten, Sköldmön, En gammal dansrytm; Eggen: Ære det evige forDr i livet; Alnæs: De hundrede fioliner, Vårlængsler, Nu briste alle de kløfter, Februarmorgen ved Golfen; Lie: Nykelen, Skinnvengbrev
Performers: Birgit Nilsson (soprano), Kirsten Flagstad (soprano), Vienna Opera Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Bertil Bokstedt, Øivin Fjeldstad
Recording: 1959 (Nilsson), 1965 (Flagstad)
Label: DECCA
The collection “Land of the Midnight Sun” presents an exquisite survey of Scandinavian song literature, with a focus on the contributions of Jean Sibelius, Edvard Grieg, and their contemporaries. These works, imbued with the spirit of the North, reflect not only the nationalistic fervor of their creators but also the lush landscapes and emotional depth that characterize the Scandinavian ethos. The performances by legendary sopranos Birgit Nilsson and Kirsten Flagstad bring an unparalleled gravitas to these selections, each voice steeped in the operatic tradition yet remarkably attuned to the nuances of the song repertoire.
Nilsson’s interpretations of Sibelius’s songs, such as “Var det en dröm” and “Höstkväll,” are particularly noteworthy. Her powerful, dramatic delivery serves the high emotional stakes of these pieces, with an impressive command of the upper register that resonates with the fervor of the text. The orchestral arrangements, under the baton of Bertil Bokstedt, are deftly woven, allowing for a vivid interplay between voice and ensemble. The harp figuration in “Höstkväll” mirrors Sibelius’s orchestral language in works like “Luonnotar,” showcasing imaginative orchestral detailing that enhances the song’s atmospheric quality.
Flagstad, on the other hand, brings a different interpretive lens to the repertoire. Her performances of Grieg’s songs, particularly “En svane” and “Våren,” reveal a profound understanding of the lyrical and melodic lines, balancing emotive power with lyrical sensitivity. The lush orchestration complements her rich tonal palette, illustrating the inherent sentimentality of the music while allowing for moments of introspective beauty. The “Fra monte pincio” resonates with a Viennese charm, echoing the lighter serenades of the Strauss family, highlighting the stylistic crossover that often characterizes Grieg’s work.
The technical aspects of both performances are impressive, with each soprano achieving remarkable clarity of diction and expressive phrasing. Nilsson’s ability to sustain high notes with both power and beauty stands out in “Våren flyktar hastigt,” while Flagstad’s nuanced interpretations of the lighter serenades display an engaging delicacy, particularly in “Vårlængsler.” The sound quality of these recordings, originally captured in the late 1950s and early 1960s, is commendable, with DECCA’s engineering presenting a warm, resonant sound that allows the intricacies of orchestration to shine through.
The omission of texts in the liner notes is a missed opportunity, particularly given the richness of the poetry that accompanies these songs. However, the sheer presence of these recordings, featuring two of the most revered sopranos of the 20th century, outweighs this deficiency. The performances transcend mere song interpretation, offering listeners a window into the psychological depths and emotive landscapes that these composers navigated.
This collection stands as a testament to the enduring power of Scandinavian song and the remarkable artistry of its interpreters. The combination of Nilsson’s and Flagstad’s interpretations with the meticulous orchestral accompaniments results in a listening experience that is both enriching and deeply moving. The reissue of these recordings at a super bargain price is a gift to both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike, ensuring that the spirit of the midnight sun continues to illuminate the concert hall.
