Trio Mediaeval: Folk Songs

Corresponding with Trio Mediaeval's tenth anniversary, their fourth ECM album is a powerful and compelling recording of Norwegian folk songs. Performed in concert over the years, these songs are always received ecstatically - this is the album that Trio Mediaeval's fans have been waiting for. The infectious melodies and haunting harmonies of this music will communicate across categories to a very broad listenership. Joining the trio on several selections is percussionist Birger Mistereggen, a specialist in the Norwegian folk drumming tradition. The inclusion of percussion not only widens the sonic spectrum of the group, but also adds a rhythmic element to these ballads, hymns, psalms, love songs and lullabies. Founded in Oslo in 1997, the Norwegian- Swedish vocal group Trio Mediaeval was taken up the following year as protégés of the Hilliard Ensemble. Hilliard tenor singer John Potter was especially excited by their potential and brought the group to ECM, acting as producer or coproducer on each of their New Series discs, Words of the Angel, Soir, dit-elle and Stella Maris. Each of these recordings has had great success with fans and critics alike and the trio has maintained a consistent touring presence in the US and all over the world. Album Description

At Home!

I haven't been enthusiastic about this ensemble of women singers, Trio Mediaeval, on their previous CDs, singing potpourris of chant and polyphony. Their voices are more individually interesting than those of the better-known Anonymous Four, but they've 'schmalzed' up the reverb and used other little gimmicks to trick themselves out as 'spiritual-sounding.' On this CD, however, they've tapped into their Norwegian roots, utilized the special vocal quality of Norwegian women singers, caught all the trollish mystery of ancient runes and isolated fiords. We Swedes depend on our Samii and Finnish singers for equally "weird" and heathenish vocal effects, but we can't match the Norwegians. I've never heard this music before except when kayaking farm to farm on one of the northernmost fiords. Trio Mediaeval has saved something very deep and enchanting from oblivion. The samples for the MP3 on amazon are adequate to give you an idea. Me, I bought five copies in Goteborg to put in the Christmas stockings of my five living aunts in Minnesota. September 3, 2008

Scandanavian images

These three young women have beautiful voices which blend magically to produce images of Norway's past - cold forests and fairy tales. Their singing, with north-european harmonies and maybe a basic instrument as accompaniment, is perfection. More please - but not so much more that this remains unusual. September 2, 2008

Refreshing CD

The fresh sounds of this group make wonderful listening. Their harmonies are clear, the music is different, and they have done extensive research on the histories of the songs. February 13, 2008

I just can't hear what causes all the rave reviews!

I do not find this CD nearly as wonderful as others have found it. I listen to music for many reasons and my tastes range from classical music to many other genres, including folk and traditional music. I have a large collection of Celtic music. Two reasons I listen to music are to enjoy the melodies and to relax. I simply cannot perceive the melodies here and the harmonies I find too dissonnant. It is very difficult for me to relax and enjoy this music. I cannot hear what others apparently hear in it! January 28, 2008

Cool voices

This group is very, very good. Harmonies are very tight; melodies are fascinating, even if somewhat unusual for the "normal" American taste. Every selection is very high quality music. My only suggestion -- blend it with other music. A full hour plus of this trio is nearly too much; maybe it's my radio listening history, but mixing it with something a little different only accentuates how good it all is. December 17, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...