Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Christmas with Monica Groop's captivating album, Kauneimmat Joululaulut. Released on 1 November 2013 by the renowned label Ondine, this exquisite collection of 24 tracks is a treasure trove of festive delights. Monica Groop's sublime vocals are perfectly complemented by an array of talented contributors, including Jorma Hynninen, Matti Salminen, and Raimo Sirkiä, as well as the Savonlinna Opera Festival Choir, Sympaatti Youth Choir, and Tapiola Choir, among others.
This stunning album is a masterful blend of traditional and modern arrangements, showcasing Monica Groop's remarkable range and expressive prowess. From the haunting beauty of "Kuului laulu enkelten" (Angels, from the Realms of Glory) to the joyful exuberance of "Joulun kellot" (Christmas Bells), each track is a testament to the artist's dedication to her craft. The album's eclectic mix of genres, including opera, ensures that there is something for every musical taste.
With a duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes, Kauneimmat Joululaulut is the perfect accompaniment to the festive season, evoking the magic and wonder of Christmas. Monica Groop's passion and artistry shine throughout this exceptional album, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking to indulge in the spirit of the holiday season. So, sit back, relax, and let the sublime sounds of Kauneimmat Joululaulut transport you to a world of festive enchantment, courtesy of the incomparable Monica Groop.
2013 Ondine2013 Ondine
Tracks
5 Christmas Songs, Op. 1: No. 4, En etsi valtaa, loistoa (Give me no splendour, gold or pomp) [arr. J. Panula for choir]Jean Sibelius, Jorma Hynninen, Tapiola Choir, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Jorma Panula
Kun Joulu on (When it's Christmas) [Arr. I. Kuusisto for vocals]Otto Kotilainen, Monica Groop, Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, Markus Lehtinen
Joulun kellot (Christmas Bells) [Arr. I. Kuusisto for Choir]Armas Maasalo, Raimo Sirkia, Vox Aurea, Jyvaskyla Sinfonia, Pertti Pekkanen
Maa on niin kaunis (The Earth is Beautiful) [Arr. K. Haatanen for Choir]Traditional, Matti Salminen, Finnish National Opera Chorus, Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, Kyosti Haatanen
Sylvian joululaulu (Sylvia's Carol) [Arr. I. Kuusisto for Vocals]Karl Collan, Monica Groop, Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, Markus Lehtinen
Kuului laulu enkelten (Angels, From the Realms of Glory) [Arr. A. Papp for Choir]Traditional, Tapiola Choir, Erkki Pohjola
Adeste fideles (Nyt riemuiten tanne) [Arr. I. Kuusisto for Choir]Traditional, Raimo Sirkia, Vox Aurea, Jyvaskyla Sinfonia, Pertti Pekkanen
Jouluyö, juhlayö (Silent Night, Holy Night) [Arr. K. Haatanen]Franz Xaver Gruber, Matti Salminen, Finnish National Opera Chorus, Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, Kyosti Haatanen
Psallat scholarum concio (Arr. H. Klemetti for Choir)Anonymous, Turku Castle Chamber Choir, Heikki Seppanen
Heinillä härkien kaukalon (There in the Hay of the Ox's Stall) [Arr. Y. Hjelt for Choir]Traditional, Monica Groop, Sympaatti Youth Choir, Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, Markus Lehtinen
Me käymme joulun viettohon (We Shall Celebrate Christmas) [Arr. I. Kuusisto for Vocals]Martti Turunen, Raimo Sirkia, Jyvaskyla Sinfonia, Pertti Pekkanen
Maria, Herran Piikanen (Mary, Handmaiden of the Lord)Traditional, Tapiola Choir, Erkki Pohjola
Varpunen jouluaamuna (The Sparrow on Christmas Morning) [Arr. I. Kuusisto for Vocals]Otto Kotilainen, Monica Groop, Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, Markus Lehtinen
Songs of Youth, Op. 20b: Arkihuolesi kaikki heitä (Cast Off All Care) [Arr. I. Kuusisto for Vocals]Leevi Madetoja, Raimo Sirkia, Jyvaskyla Sinfonia, Pertti Pekkanen
Joudu, satakiel' (Hasten, Nightingale)Traditional, Tapiola Choir, Erkki Pohjola
Mökit nukkuu lumiset (The Snowbound Cottages Sleep) [Arr. I. Kuusisto for Vocals]Heino Kaski, Monica Groop, Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, Markus Lehtinen
Cantique de Noël (O Holy Night) [Sung in Finnish] [Arr. K. Haatanen for Vocals]Adolphe Adam, Raimo Sirkia, Jyvaskyla Sinfonia, Pertti Pekkanen
Ave maris stella (Arr. H. Klemetti for Choir)Anonymous, Turku Castle Chamber Choir, Heikki Seppanen
Ja neitsyt pikku poijuttansa (The Virgin Rocks Her Baby Boy) [Arr. I. Kuusisto for Vocals]Selim Palmgren, Monica Groop, Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, Markus Lehtinen
Katso, ihme taivainen (Ecce novum gaudium, Behold a Miracle from Heaven) [Arr. J. Sibelius for Choir]Anonymous, Tapiola Choir, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Jorma Panula
On hanget korkeat, nietokset (The Shining Snows Are Driven High), Op. 1, No. 5 [Arr. I. Kuusisto for Vocals]Jean Sibelius, Raimo Sirkia, Jyvaskyla Sinfonia, Pertti Pekkanen
Kun joulu valkeneepi (Now Christmas Is Come) [Arr. K. Haatanen for Choir]Traditional, Jorma Silvasti, Finnish National Opera Chorus, Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, Kyosti Haatanen
Taas kaikki kauniit muistot (Those Memories of Old) [Arr. Y. Hjelt for Vocals]Sulho Ranta, Monica Groop, Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, Markus Lehtinen
Jouluna Jumala Syntyi (At Christmas God Came to Earth)Pekka Jalkanen, Tapiola Choir, Erkki Pohjola
Monica Groop, born Gerd Monica Riska in Helsinki, is a renowned Finnish operatic mezzo-soprano celebrated for her rich and flexible voice. After honing her craft at the Sibelius Academy, she joined the Finnish National Opera in 1986, where she continues to be a prominent member. Groop's international career has seen her perform leading roles at prestigious venues such as the Los Angeles Opera, the Palais Garnier, the Royal Opera in London, and the Salzburg Festival. Her repertoire spans Baroque, classical, and modern music, showcasing her versatility and depth as a performer. Groop has also made significant contributions to the recorded music world, including a complete collection of Edvard Grieg's songs. Her collaborations with esteemed pianists like András Schiff further highlight her artistic prowess. Whether performing opera, Lieder, or oratorio, Groop's intelligent and nuanced interpretations bring a fresh perspective to familiar works, making her a standout figure in the world of classical music.
Vinylscout
Monica Groop
