From the first second, Johan Sara jr piques our curiosity. Soundscapes with natural sounds, voices, breath and occasional heavy rhythm links merge into exciting music. It is unpredictable, Johan Sara jr invites us on a journey, and we are happy to follow. From the minimalist to the grand epic, all rooted in something we can all […]
Jury's reasoning Susanne Sundfør is still a young artist, but she has created an album that is as heavy and delicate as only a very mature and experienced artist can at best commit. Critics have already pointed out that she is a skilled singer with an almost otherworldly voice, but it is as a composer Susanne […]
Jury's reasoning There are not many original opera texts written in Norwegian, but “Med kniven på strupen” by Vigdis Hjorth is definitely one of them. It is witty, to the point and delightfully theatrical in its associations with the macabre tradition of Bartok's “Bluebeard” and Sondheim's “Sweeney Todd”. Precisely the opera form's requirement for the opposite of wordy dialogue, […]
Jury's reasoning Ketil Hvoslef is the most subtle of composers, and in this relatively short, concentrated work he does not deny himself. One cello can make more sound than most other string instruments, and when – as here – 8 cellists add breadth to convey a family story, the result is an energy, drama and humor that […]