Well into the previous century Sweden was largely a peasant society with folk music an integral part of daily life. There were work songs, narrative ballads and, obviously, music for dancing. Over the centuries a not always easy coexistence between religion and folk culture developed, with hymns being adapted to a folk-music aesthetic while popular traditions were given a Christian veneer. An example of the latter is the rich store of 'Staffan ballads', springing from a pre-Christian horse cult but given a new slant as it's focus shifted to St. Stephen - the first Christian martyr. Gunnar Idenstam and S: t Jacobs Chamber Choir have performed their Folkjul concerts more or less every year since 2002. The concept stem from a rich interplay between 'folk culture' and 'high culture' and in Idenstam's arrangements a newly composed halling or polska entwines itself round the old Christmas melodies. The first Folkjul album was released in 2007 - this time the choir and Idenstam are joined by violinist Sandra Marteleur and Ulrika BodÃ©n, one of Sweden's most well-established folk singers.

Tracklist:

Från Himmelen Kom Ängeln Gabriel (Arr. G. Idenstam For Choir & Organ)
Var Hälsad Sköna Morgonstund (Arr. G. Idenstam For Voice, Violin, Choir & Organ)
In Dulci Jubilo (Arr. G. Idenstam For Choir & Violin)
Tiggarvisa Från Malung (Arr. G. Idenstam For Voice, Violin, Choir & Organ)
Polska (Arr. G. Idenstam For Voice, Flute, Violin, Choir & Organ)
Nu Sjunga Guds Änglar (Arr. G. Idenstam For Choir)
En Gangar Till Kaffet
Det Lyser En Stjärna (Arr. G. Idenstam For Voice, Violin, Choir & Organ)
Nu Tändas Tusen Juleljus (Arr. G. Idenstam For Voice, Violin & Organ)
Christine's Polska
Staffansvisa (After Bach's Bwv Anh. 126) [Arr. G. Idenstam For Voice, Violin, Choir & Organ]
Staffan Halling II (Arr. G. Idenstam For Flute, Violin, Choir & Organ)
En Stjärna Gick På Himlen Fram (Arr. G. Idenstam For Voice, Flute, Violin, Choir & Organ)
Den Signade Dag (Arr. G. Idenstam For Choir)
Allt Vid Den Ljusa Stjärnan (Arr. G. Idenstam For Voice & Choir)
Julottan (Arr. G. Idenstam For Violin & Organ)
Från Himlens Höjd (Arr. G. Idenstam For Violin, Choir & Organ)

UPC: 7318599923345
Label: Bis
Release Date: 11.2.18
Format: CD

J Bach S / Boden - Folkjul 2 (CD)