Eyvind Alnæs Songs, Vol. 1 - Kielland, Marianne Beate (mezzo-soprano) / Moen, Ann-Helen (soprano) / Mortensen, Nils Anders (piano)

 

EYVIND ALNÆS SONGS, VOL. 1 — A LANDMARK RECORDING OF NORWEGIAN ART SONG

A significant contribution to the rediscovery of Norwegian late‑Romantic repertoire emerges with Eyvind Alnæs Songs, Vol. 1, featuring mezzo‑soprano Marianne Beate Kielland, soprano Ann‑Helen Moen, and pianist Nils Anders Mortensen. Released on LAWO Classics, the album presents a carefully curated selection from Alnæs’ extensive song output, interpreted by three of Norway’s most respected and stylistically assured artists.

Eyvind Alnæs (1872–1932) occupies a central yet underrepresented place in Norwegian musical history. His songs reveal a composer of striking melodic instinct, harmonic richness, and deep sensitivity to poetic expression. This first volume illuminates the breadth of his writing—from intimate, introspective songs to expansive, lyrically soaring works—brought to life through the contrasting vocal colors of Kielland and Moen, supported by Mortensen’s nuanced and finely sculpted pianism.

The recording marks the beginning of a larger artistic undertaking. Eyvind Alnæs Songs, Vol. 2 and Vol. 3 are scheduled for release within the coming year, forming a comprehensive series that will document the full scope of Alnæs’ contribution to Scandinavian art song. Together, these albums aim to secure his rightful place within the canon and to offer listeners a deeper understanding of his musical voice.

Marianne Beate Kielland – Mezzo‑soprano Marianne Beate Kielland is one of Scandinavia’s most acclaimed mezzo‑sopranos, known for her stylistic versatility and exceptional interpretive insight. With an extensive international career, she has appeared with leading orchestras and ensembles throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States. Her discography includes numerous award‑winning recordings, and she is widely recognized for her deep commitment to Nordic repertoire and art song.

Ann‑Helen Moen – Soprano Ann‑Helen Moen has established herself as a distinguished lyric soprano with a career spanning major opera houses and concert stages across Europe. Equally at home in opera, oratorio, and chamber music, she is celebrated for her radiant tone, expressive clarity, and refined musicality. Moen has collaborated with many of the Nordic region’s foremost conductors and ensembles, and her recordings have received international praise.

Nils Anders Mortensen – Piano Nils Anders Mortensen is one of Norway’s leading pianists, renowned for his sensitivity, technical mastery, and artistic depth. His extensive discography on LAWO Classics has earned multiple awards and critical acclaim, particularly for his collaborations with prominent Norwegian singers and instrumentalists. Mortensen’s interpretations are marked by clarity of expression and a profound understanding of musical structure and color.