Ola Gjeilo - Voices, Piano, Strings (2016) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Norwegian born Ola Gjeilo (Yay-Lo) is one of the most frequently performed composers in the choral world; his debut album on a major record label is slated for release in April 2016 on Decca Classics. An accomplished composer and pianist, improvisations over his own choral works have become a trademark of his collaborations, and feature within the eleven tracks on this self-titled album – “Ola Gjeilo”. Norwegian by birth, Ola’s soundworld has evolved a style that is both contemporary and familiar, cinematic and evocative.

Ola Gjeilo’s works are performed by two exceptional vocal ensembles: the ‘undoubtedly gifted’ (The Times) VOCES8 and the award-winning Tenebrae (‘phenomenal’ – The Times.) This rich vocal texture mixed with Ola Gjeilo on piano, and combinations of acoustic guitar (Kristian Kvalvaag), cello (Matthew Sharp), string quartet, and The Chamber Orchestra of London (led by Thomas Gould) make this lush, harmonius album a true musical feast.

“Working with two of the absolute premier choirs in the world was an incredible, humbling experience – their musicianship touched me to the core. I would soak up every elegant phrase ending, every perfectly blended chord, every exquisite inflection I’d never heard before – and knowing that it would all be released on the legendary Decca label made it all extra special.”- Gjeilo

Lead tracks on the album include Tundra, which received its world premiere play on ClassicFM’s Aled Jones show on 7th February; Ubi caritas, The Ground and The Lake Isle. To all these tracks, Gjeilo brings a truly contemporary feel to the traditional, making the album – Ola Gjeilo – both accessible to first-time choral listeners and a new enticing experience for choral fans – serving to create a restful and uplifting experience for all.

Born in Norway, Ola Gjeilo moved to New York at the age of 23 to study composition at the Juilliard School. Here, Ola developed his distinctly modern approach to traditional choral music, drawing inspiration from his Nordic background, improvisers and composers from Morten Lauridsen, John Adams, Alexandre Desplat, John Williams to Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Tavener. Gjeilo is particularly passionate about playing with grand cinematic-esque melodies and improvisation, describing his own composition style as “…a lyrical mix of improvisation and classical”.

Gjeilo is also currently composer-in-residence with VOCES8, who have now established themselves as one of the ‘most versatile’ (The Telegraph) vocal ensembles in Europe. VOCES8 will perform his works on tour throughout the United States during February and March 2016, and will be joined by Ola for numerous big concerts with the American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA)

„ . . [a] stunning new Norwegian choral work that might be the next big thing in classical music . . . Ola Gjeilo draws on influences from Norwegian culture to create modern choral music of exquisite beauty. Radiant vocal textures are backed by shimmering strings and a hypnotic piano, performed by Gjeilo himself.“ (Aled Jones, Classic FM, London)

Tracklist:
01. Ubi Caritas 5:22
02. The Spheres 4:17
03. The Ground 3:38
04. Sanctus (London) 4:47
05. The Crossing 3:37
06. Northern Lights 4:08
07. The Lake Isle 6:18
08. Serenity (O Magnum Mysterium) 5:08
09. Tundra 3:35
10. Reflections 1:53
11. Sacred Heart 4:41

Personnel:
Ola Gjeilo, Klavier
Voces8
Tenebrae
Nigel Short, Direktor
Chamber Orchestra of London
Thomas Gould, Leitung
String Quartet:
Thomas Gould, Violine
Ciaran McCabe, Violine
Jon Thorne, Viola
Matthew Sharp, Cello