— Medieval poetry set to music for our time.
The lyrics of the Persian poet Rumi (1207—1273) are among the most widely read in history. When Trygve Seim began setting these love poems to music, he let the music develop over several years before it found its form in a unique composition of vocals, saxophone, accordion and cello — commissioned by none other than Tora Augestad and Anne-Lise Berntsen .
The critically acclaimed album Rumi Songs features Seim's genre-crossing and eclectic approach, with clear traces of both Western and Arabic music. Augestad has found his own unique way of conveying Rumi's thoughts, underlined by elegant improvisation from the star team of Trygve Seim, Frode Haltli and Svante Henryson .
This Christmas Eve we hear the music in its original form. When the album was released ten years ago, reviewer Richard Williams wrote that it "may be one of the most beautiful things you'll hear this year." With them is author Erling Kittelsen , who between songs talks about Rumi and Sufism and recites his own re-poems in collaboration with the musicians.
Tora Augestad vocals
Trygve Seim saxophones
Frode Haltli accordion
Svante Henryson cello
Erling Kittelsen recitation
Duration approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The concert has no intermission.
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Mezzo-soprano Tora Augestad has a rare breadth in her work, from the opera stage to musical theater and contemporary music. After the passing of singer Anne-Lise Berntsen, she was the one who commissioned the complete cycle of Rumi Songs , and she has since been the work's permanent voice.
Saxophonist and composer Trygve Seim has been one of the most prolific Norwegian musicians in the company's catalogue since his debut on ECM Records in 2001. Rumi Songs received the NOPA award for composition of the year in 2016 and was nominated for the Spellemannprisen.
Frode Haltli is considered one of the Nordic countries' leading accordionists, equally at home in classical and folk music as in contemporary music and improvisation.
Swedish cellist Svante Henryson moves freely between classical tradition, jazz and improvisation, adding both depth and warmth to Rumi Songs.
In addition to his own extensive production of poetry and prose, Erling Kittelsen has rewritten a number of Sufi poets, including Rumi. This evening he talks about Rumi and Sufism and recites his own rewritten poems in collaboration with the musicians.
We wish you an enjoyable, unique concert experience with us. Welcome!
Photo: Knut Bry