REVIEWS OF NJÅL SPARBO
CONCERT: HANDEL'S «SAUL»
London Handel Festival. London Handel Orchestra. Conductor: Laurence Cummings.
«London Handel Festival highlight»
The complex plot tracks the contrasts between the virtuous, loyal David and the lawless and vengeful Saul who eventually turns on both his son Jonathan, and David. Requiring comparatively large forces, by oratorio standards, both vocal and instrumental including 3 trombones, it is seldom performed. This was the first major work by Handel which featured a bass male lead, Saul, sung by the young modern-day Viking, Njål Sparbo, whose rich tones filled the Church with threatening menace and provided an unusual contrast with the more familiar Handelian tenor of his son Jonathan, sung by Nicholas Mulroy.
Travis, 17. april 2011
LINK TO THE REVIEW
CONCERT: HANDEL'S «SAUL»
London Handel Festival. London Handel Orchestra. Conductor: Laurence Cummings.
«Saul at the London Handel Festival»
Saul was Handel's first oratorio with a libretto by Charles Jennens. It is his first dramatic masterpiece in the genre but still doesn't get that many outings. Perhaps the slightly unwieldy cast list is a problem, though another more likely reason is the nature of the title role. Handel and Jennens created a psychologically aposite portrait of Saul, isolated from the rest of the cast and tortured, but the result of course is brilliant but not showy. Saul hardly gets any arias and communicates in recitative and accompagnato. In some performances this results in Saul being understated, but Njal Sparbo took the role with a vengeance. He was credibly commanding and quite fearsome when mad, completely rising above the rather limited playing area provided by St. Georges.
Robert H, 17. april 2011
LINK TO THE REVIEW
CONCERT: HANDEL'S «SAUL»
London Handel Festival. London Handel Orchestra. Conductor: Laurence Cummings.
«HANDEL'S SAUL»
Handel's 1739 oratorio Saul marked the composer's first collaboration with Charles Jennens, librettist for The Messiah. The dramatic biblical story of Saul's jealous rage against the young David, leading to madness and death, was written shortly after Handel himself had recovered from a breakdown. Among a fine cast, soprano Lucy Crowe as Saul's daughter Merab, countertenor Iestyn Davies as David, and Norwegian bass-baritone Njal Sparbo as Saul were outstanding. Laurence Cummings conducted with verve. A highlight of this year's Handel Festival.
Express, Clare Colvin, 17. april 2011
LINK TO THE REVIEW
OPERA: Håkon Berge: «The Bacchae» at Tha National Scene in Bergen
World Premiere, Bergen international Festival
«Magnificent Total-Art»
«The National Scene in Bergen presented the opera premiere of Håkon Berge's contemporary version of Euripedes' tragedy: "Bacchae". It gave us a glance into a drama where the humans are but clay in the hands of the gods. Two of the singers must be mentioned especially: Guri Egge as Dionysus and Njål Sparbo as King Pentheus.»
Hans Rossiné, Dagbladet
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CD: Franz Schubert's «Winterreise», Quattro, QCD 9306
Njål Sparbo & Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
«Winterreise»
«A very interesting production. The more you listen to it, the more nuances you find ... fantastic diction ... incredibly well presented! A magnificent recording, a splendid cover! This is really a production to be proud of!»
Kjell Hillveg, På sporet
CONCERT: Brahms: «Ein Deutsches Requiem»
«What a gift to get!»
«Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem filled the cathedral like a wave. In a state of supreme happiness we listened to the soloists Marianne Hirsti and Njål Sparbo when they completely unstrained let their voices flow on top of the massive, dark colours of the choir and orchestra.»
E.O. Syvertsen, Fædrelandsvennen
CD: Franz Schubert's «Winterreise», Quattro, QCD 9306
Njål Sparbo & Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
«Exemplary Sparbo, brilliant Schubert»
«... I must give him my unreserved congratulations to a recording which leaves you with a sense of loss from the moment it ceases. It is in fact not just the work itself that so strongly spellbinds the listener in me, it is equally Sparbo's interpretation ... Sparbo's German is exemplary, and with this CD he takes the step into the international arena. Winterreise is about giving up hope, writes Sparbo inside the cover, and contradicts himself musically the moment you hear the music from the loud speakers! Here is an art of singing that far from stands in the queue of hopelessness - and we listeners can only hope for more from the same source, winter or no.»
Espen Mineur Sætre, Morgenbladet
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CD: Franz Schubert's «Winterreise», Quattro, QCD 9306
Njål Sparbo & Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
«Njål Sparbo's Winterreise: a great event ...»
«... in the interpretation of Lieder in this country, which should also cause reactions outside Norway ... a fully developed and strong interpretation ... which really takes its place amongst the available modern recordings of this work. ... a brilliantly precise depiction of extreme mental states, verging on insanity, an expression of existential hopelessness ... all this exists within Sparbo and Steen-Nøkleberg's interpretation. One of Sparbo's most notable qualities is an exemplary, laser-sharp diction - he puts across all the verbal nuances in Wilhelm Müller's text. And yet he never forgets to sing it. I repeat: a great event. To be warmly recommended!»
Harald Kolstad, Arbeiderbladet
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OPERA: Kjell Habbestad's «Hans Egedes Night» in The Culture Hall, Harstad
World premiere, The North-Norwegian Festival in
«Opera-venture in Harstad: Hans Egede's Night»
«Njål Sparbo as Hans Egede is a sensation. He carries the whole performance on his talented shoulders. I cannot recollect having ever seen a singer who so convincingly balances theatrical and musical ability.»
Eyvind Solås, Dagbladet
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CONCERT: Hugo Wolf's «Italienisches Liederbuch» in The University Hall in Oslo
Siri Torjesen, Njål Sparbo and Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
«Italian Miniatures»
«Without any reservations they took possession of the music, reminding us once more that they both command voices which are more beautiful and richer than most others of their generation.
And they increased the temperature to such heights; not through dramatic effects, but simply through the strength and hue of their voices. This made Hugo Wolf irresistible, showing us so many facets of the extraordinary world og life and love.»
Ståle Wikshåland, Dagbladet
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CONCERT: Hugo Wolf's «Italienisches Liederbuch» in Harmonien, Drammen
Siri Torjesen, Njål Sparbo and Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
«Magnificent Musical Event»
«On Tuesday we experienced a musical event of unqualified dimensions. None other than Njål Sparbo and Siri Torjesen were here to present Hugo Wolf's cycle of Italian Lieder, together with the pianist Einar Steen-Nøkleberg. The 46 songs ... were presented with an empathy and richness of colour, and each song's characteristic quality was carved out - giving us all the exuberance and stormy expressions of love mixed with humour, furtiveness and great beauty.»
Terje Fredriksen, Fremtiden (About "Italienisches Liederbuch")
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CONCERT: Hugo Wolf's «Italienisches Liederbuch» in Musikkens Hus, Kristiansand
Siri Torjesen, Njål Sparbo and Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
«Love the Italian Way»
«Language, rhythm and timing were as solid as rock - they sang with such complete credibility and carried us away with their interpretations of the most sincere, bitter, mocking, humorous and bizarre musical poetry from Italy. First rate!»
Anders Faksvåg, Fædrelandsvennen (About "Italienisches Liederbuch")
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OPERA: W.A. Mozart's «The Magic Flute» in Danseteateret, Bergen
Opera Vest, BIT 20 Ensemble. Conductor: Ingar Bergby
«Mozart: Die Zauberflöte»
«There can be no doubt that Njål Sparbo as Papageno saved this performance. His acting had a natural ease, and his effect on both young and old in the audience was irreproachable. Also in musical terms Papageno was exeptional ... he had such a surplus of musical energy ... singing freely, with sure intonation, and easy to understand.»
Knut Helbekkmo, Bergens Tidende
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OPERA: W.A. Mozart's «The Magic Flute» in Danseteateret, Bergen
Opera Vest, BIT 20 Ensemble. Conductor: Ingar Bergby
«Mozart: Die Zauberflöte»
«The meeting between Papageno and Papageno for example was incredibly funny. Altogether Njål Sparbo's Papageno was the height of the evening's performance.»
Tore Lund, Bergen Arbeiderblad
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CONCERT: Franz Schubert's «Winterreise» in The University Hall, Oslo
Njål Sparbo & Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
«Beautiful Winterreise»
«...In Oslo's Aula Hall on Wednesday evening Njål Sparbo quite captivated his audience. And what a joy it is to see such a well-attended recital! Sparbo's sincere interpretation of Schubert's extraordinary cycle of songs, Die Winterreise, based on the poems of Wilhelm Müller, was quite irreproachable.
For a young Lied-singer Die Winterreise is the equivalent of Hamlet for a young actor. The ultimate challenge! Njål Sparbo came through with flying colours. He masters completely the work's demanding emotional extremes. And the final "Der Leiermann", had a depth of feeling I could not have believed possible for Sparbo at this stage in his career.»
Harald Kolstad, Arbeiderbladet
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CONCERT: Franz Schubert's «Winterreise» in Hedmarksmuseets Aula, Hamar
Njål Sparbo & Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
«Moving Winterreise»
«...Without pause, these two masters each in his own field, presented the whole cycle of 24 songs. All the instrumental details were clear and vivid at the hands of Einar Steen-Nøkleberg. But most moving was Njål Sparbo's total involvement in his material, both in the music and the story. He masters a finely polished pianissimo as well as the power necessary for the forte sections. His diction is quite unique, and the text, in his interpretation, becomes a constant source of communication between artist and audience.»
Moss Undseth, Hamar Arbeiderblad (About "Winterreise")
OPERA: Rossini's «The Barber of Seville» in Grieghallen, Bergen
The Bergen International Festival. Conductor Alberto Zedda
«Rossini: Il Barbiere di Seviglia»
«The Norwegian singers Njål Sparbo and Bodil Arnesen were chosen to play Berta and Fiorello, and the conductor Alberto Zedda are all happily surprised by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir. Everyone there is so well disposed towards Rossini. And Arturo Corso assured us that Sparbo is capable of changing at a moment's notice from Norwegian Viking to Italian commedia dell'arte-actor.»
Anette Mürer, Dagbladet (cond. Alberto Zedda) Bergen Festival
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CONCERT: «Russian Evening» in The University Hall, Oslo
Njål Sparbo & Einar Henning Smebye
«A True Artist»
«... my expectations were certainly not disappointed. This concert showed quite clearly that this repertoire is his. And that Mr. Sparbo is one of our most versatile singers ... free, strong, beautiful and triumphant ... his interpretation (of Mussorgsky's: Songs and Dances of Death) shows depth of understanding, artistic care and accomplishment ...»
Harald Kolstad, Arbeiderbladet
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CONCERT: «Russian recital» in Bibliotekets Aula, Fredrikstad
Njål Sparbo & Einar Henning Smebye
«Njål Sparbo - Spellbinding Performance»
«An evening filled to the brim with passionate Russian music, and a bass-baritone who may be described as one of Norway's very best. A wonderful voice combined with excellently controlled gesture gave a real sense of life to this music ...»
Dag Gjærum, Østlandsposten (About "Russian Evening")
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CONCERT: «Russian recital» in Haakonshallen, Bergen
Njål Sparbo & Einar Henning Smebye
«The Soul of Russia»
«A fine and discerning artist he is, this Njål Sparbo! And so generous! This summer he sang Grieg's Vinje-songs at Troldhaugen - all twelve, a challenge most singers would never venture. On Wednesday he held a solo recital.
A pure Russian programme - showing great artistic breadth and impressive in its completeness.»
Reidar Storaas, Bergens Tidende
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CONCERT: «Recital» in Riddersalen, Koldinghus, Denmark
Scandinavian Festival of Music. Njål Sparbo & Einar Henning Smebye
«Great Singing Talent»
«He forms his phrases attractively, with fine depth of tone. There is substance in his presentation - he is poetic with Grieg, soulful with Schubert, completing this part of the programme with a convincing Erlkönig, before the five final, captivating Tchaikovsky songs ...»
B. Sørensen, Jydske Vestkysten
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CONCERT: «Recital» in Riddersalen, Koldinghus, Denmark
Scandinavian Festival of Music. Njål Sparbo & Einar Henning Smebye
«Outstanding Norwegian Recital»
«The Norwegian bass-baritone performed songs and Lieder, accompanied by his fellow countryman Einar Henning Smebye. The result was an evening of outstanding quality with Grieg, Schubert and Tchaikovsky.»
Jens-Jørgen Hedeskov, Folkebladet Sydjylland
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CONCERT: «Recital» in Bibliotekets Aula, Fredrikstad
Njål Sparbo & Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
«Sensational Talent»
«Before his sensational talent is recognised by the music world, he was here in Fredrikstad and forced us to tears. Norway has had few male singers of such quality: beautiful, full of character, powerful and well focused.»
Andrew Boyle, Fredrikstad Blad
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OPERA: Monteverdi1s «L'Orfeo» in Den Gamle Logen, Oslo
Oslo Sommeropera. Conductor: Andrew Parrott
«Monteverdi: Orfeo»
«But above all it was Njål Sparbo's interpretation of Plutone that impressed one: with a threatening, demonic quality he electrified the whole stage as that prince of the kingdom of shadows.»
Elisabeth Wessel, Morgenbladet (Oslo Summer Opera / Andrew Parrot)
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CONCERT: «Recital» at Troldhaugen, Bergen
Njål Sparbo & Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
«Baritone with a Future»
«His concert at the Bergen International Festival was a convincing demonstration of the unusual quality of his voice, and of his sincerity. With great clarity of diction, Njål Sparbo sings the words, in a way that makes singing appear not merely an artistic convention, but a higher form of natural expression.»
Harald Kolstad, Arbeiderbladet
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OPERA: Mozart's «Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro» in Frimurerlogen, Trondheim
Trondheim Opera. Conductor: Roar Leinan
«Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro»
«As a contrast to the Count and Countess with their complicated emotions, Njål Sparbo (Figaro) and Sigrun Hjalmtysdottir (Suzanna) were irresistibly charming, as the merry and irrepressible newly weds.»
IdaLou Larsen, Nationen (cond. Roar Leinan) Trondheim Opera
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