Immortal NYSTEDT - Ensemble 96, Øystein Fevang

Surrounded by the Wonders of Creation - The beginning of the universe and the drama at Golgatha; medieval music and German baroque; the writings of Søren Kierkegaard - and a child's baptism in Oslo in 1987. Knut Nystedt draws his inspiration from all ages, creating his monumental choral art with a Christian perspective and wide, humanistic appeal.

Knut Nystedt has a thorough knowledge of the choral medium! It might sound like a weak cliché, passed off as an advertisement for a recording of choral music. Note however, the following facts: when the legendary Olavsguttene boys’ choir gave their first concert in 1927, twelve year old Knut was among the trebles; the date of composition of the most recent work on this recording is 2003. We are in other words dealing with seventy-six years of choral experience. One would be hard put to find – in all the choral repertoire in the world – any other works based on longer experience, or a longer apprenticeship. Apprenticeship – an important concept in Nystedt’s work; it is perhaps a little disrespectful to call Nystedt an ”eternal student” – yet he has an unquenchable curiosity, ever keen to conquer new musical territory. Starting out with a style of nationally tinged neo-classicism – and always with Palestrina and Bach as his guiding lights – he has, without prejudice, adopted the avant-garde techniques of twentieth century music. Immortal Bach is reproduced for the very first time in a recording with the piece's five equal choirs in a full circle around the listener.

The first three lines of Bach's "Komm, süsser Tod" are are sung, and then repeated – this time the parts are moved in time in relation to one another, coming together in a consonant major chord at the end of each line. The spatial element is an important part of Nystedt’s reworking to "Immortal Bach": the choir is divided into five equal groups spread around the church. This surround sound recording reproduces the spatial dimension as envisaged by the composer.

Best Choral Performance 49th GRAMMY Nominee
Best Surround Sound Album 49th GRAMMY Nominee

Ensemble 96 is regarded one of the top chamber choirs in the world. This album was nominated for the 49th American GRAMMY Awards as "Best Choral Performance" and "Best Surround Sound Album" in 2006.

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