Pebbles – Jonas Haltia

Classical pebbles

This highly personal release from Haltia and Ulsrud is a beautiful recital from two strong performers who allow themselves liberties with regards to both repertoire and form – with a programme that also involves improvisational elements.
Perhaps best known as the teacher of Beethoven and Hummel, Albrechtsberger (1736-1809) has a production including 26 masses, 4 symphonies and much more – including this attractive Concertino in E-flat. Viviani (1638-1692) wrote operas, oratorios and instrumental pieces. His Sonata prima in C major is a mixture of recitatives and fanfares. These works were recorded in the mediaeval Maria church at Gran, with a Jürgen Ahrend (1973/2003) organ.
The three Swedish religious folk tunes have been arranged for trumpet and organ by Bjarne Volle. Egil Hovland (b. 1924) has been among the most beloved and respected Norwegian composers for many decades and his Cantus X (2002) receives its world premiere recording on this release. Rolf Wallin (b. 1957) is perhaps the most prolific of today’s composers, and his exquisite Elegy was written in the memory of his sister. A new acquaintance is Bjørn Morten Christophersen (b. 1976), and the first movement of Pebbles was performed by Haltia and Ulsrud at the christening of Prince Sverre Magnus in 2006. These works were recorded in Vålerengen church in Oslo, with a Carsten Lund (1987) organ.
Jonas Haltia (b. 1966) has been trumpet player with the Oslo Philharmonic since 1990. He teaches at the Academy of Music in Ingesund and the Norwegian Academy of Music. Haltia studied in Gothenburg, London, New York and Chicago and has appeared as soloist with orchestras and given numerous recitals in the Nordic countries, Germany and England. Inger-Lise Ulsrud (b. 1963) has an extensive concert activity and is precentor at Uranienborg church and Associate Professor at the Norwegian Academy of Music.