Organist Iver Kleive and guitarist Knut Reiersrud have previously released “Blå Koral (Blue Chorale)” and “Himmelskip (Ship of Heaven)” together. Both releases were nominated for the Norwegian Spelemann Prize, and “Blå Koral” actually won the prize in 1991. “Den signede dag” is a continuation of Kleive and Reiersrud’s teamwork. This time they have included one of Scandinavia’s most distinctive singers, the much-loved Danish Povl Dissing.

“Den signede dag” is based on the poetry of Danish priest and poet N.F.S. Grundtvig (1783 – 1872). Grundtvig wrote some thousand songs and psalms, and Dissing, Kleive and Reiersrud have selected gems from this rich treasure chest.

When Erik Hillestad from Kirkelig Kulturverksted challenged Dissing to sing Grundtvig’s songs together with two of Norway’s most distinctive musicians, Dissing calmly replied: “ I cannot disclaim my Grundtvig”. It meant yes, and the recording project was under way. By the end of August, Povl Dissing, Iver Kleive and Knut Reiersrud met in the Cathedral of Odense in Denmark to record “Den signede dag”.

On this recording, familiar songs that have followed us from childhood appear with a new force and character as they are re-interpreted by the trio Dissing/Reiersrud/Kleive.

What is it about Grundtvig?

““Den signede dag” just had to be recorded”, states producer Erik Hillestad. “Grundtvig did in Denmark what nobody did in Norway; he christianized the population in a human way. In Norway, God gave this assignment to Hans Nilsen Hauge. That turned out to be a painful process,” says Hillestad.

Man first, Christianity second: Jesus did not come to christianize people, but to make them whole human beings, was Grundtvig’s firm belief. The selection of Grundtvig on this recording is definitely music and poetry for the whole human being.

Track list:

1. Den signede dag

2. Moders navn er en himmelsk lyd

3. Velkommen i den grønne lund

4. Kirkeklokke! Mellem ædle malme

5. Sylvartun (instrumental)

6. Dejlig er den himmel blå

7. Kimer i klokker

8. Jeg gik mig ud en sommerdag

9. Hvad er det, min Marie

10. Nu falmer skoven trindt om land

11. Påskemorgen

12. Som tørstige hjort monne skrige (instrumental)