what may or may not be hard reality

When I think of Christmas music, the one artist who always comes first to my mind is Sissel Kyrkjebø. She's a Norweigian singer who has the most incredibly beautiful voice. And just like Helen Sjöholm she seems to have a glow about her when she sings, it's obvious how much they both love what they're doing. (She's also just plain gorgeous to look at.) Whenever there's a Christmas concert on TV, or a collection of Christmas music, chances are Sissel's gonna be there. I realized the other day that I hadn't heard much of her this season, turns out she's been in the US doing something or other, and has a new album out, in the US of course, which would explain why she hasn't been around here much lately. Either way, I love her, and have spent a whole lot of time the last few days watching her on YouTube. Sadly, there aren't a lot of her Christmas stuff on there, but a whole lot of other clips. First out is a favourite of mine from way back, might have been the first time I ever heard her, a beautiful ballad called Innerst i sjelen with lyrics that I've obviously never analysed (I realize as I listen to it now), and then under the cuts are a few more classical pieces (her voice is really at its best when she sings classical). Listen!



Se ilden lyse


To God be the Glory


Adagio


O Mio Babbino Caro


Laschia Ch`io Pianga