In 2013, Michala Petri and the Danish National Vocal Ensemble released a recording (their first artistic collaboration) – the ECHO Klassik award winning, critically acclaimed CD ‘The Nightingale‘. For their next project, they were joined by conductor and composer Michael Bojesen in a beautiful and exciting project – the fulfilment of a long-standing dream for all of the artists: ‘I Dreamt a Dream’ – songs of the Danish heartland.

Danish folk music mirrors the soul of the Danish people – it has its own unique characteristics and it’s often easy to determine which region of Denmark a folk music song stems from, simply based on linguistic expressions, intonation and dialects. During the national romantic movement of the 1800s, there were many classical composers who incorporated local folk music of Denmark in their compositions, to give their music a more distinct national character; and each tune, no matter how humble its origin, expresses the joy of singing. These songs make the Danish people feel united, and tell us where we belong.

For this CD, a program of some of the most popular Danish folk songs has been selected, and Michael Bojesen arranged them anew for recorder and choir. Even if you do not know the Danish language you will feel the atmosphere of the Danish homeland, its indescribable beauty, its unspoiled nature, the colour of the wind and the restless sea that surrounds H C Andersen’s home.

Michala Petri – Recorder
Danish National Vocal Ensemble
Michael Bojesen – Conductor & Arrangements