Inspired by the melodies of folk songs, the ensemble creates a soundscape that, on the one hand, offers each melody sufficient space while, on the other, allowing the eight musicians room for creative improvisation. The goal in both the song selection and the arrangement was to portray the diverse moods and colors of winter and the contemplative spirit of the Christmas season. To achieve this, arranger Vincent Dombrowski drew on a wide variety of musical stylistic elements. Thus, alongside calm, contemplative sounds, dark and agitated phases repeatedly find their way into the music. The ensemble deliberately attempts to portray the contrasts of the cold season in their music and reveal the magic of these very contrasts.
Helena Benkendorff's voice brings both melodic and lyrical elements into play. She sings the partly familiar lyrics in English, German, and Norwegian. Her voice, at times powerful and loud, at times fragile and fairytale-like, enchants the listener with the emotion of a clear timbre.
The Nordsnø Ensemble takes advantage of its size to regularly assemble smaller ensembles from within its ranks. This way, the appropriate ensemble is chosen for each piece to create the desired atmosphere and evoke feelings or memories of winter and Advent in the listener.
01 Vårvinda Friska
02 A rose has sprung up
03 River
04 White Coat
05 What Child Is This
06 Mitt Home Alltime Vanker
07 Fragile
08 Upraised
09 Maria went through a thorn forest
10 Maria Går Blant Tornekratt
11 Nå Tennes Tusen Julelys
