«Slik som du er» - Gjendiktninger av Sigvard Engesets salmer

New lyrics by Erik Hillestad - performed by Solveig Slettahjell – arranged by Kjetil Bjerkestrand

 

ABOUT THE STREAM

To mark the 100th anniversary of the inauguration of Sigvard Engeset, Oslo Vestre Free Church's first pastor, his grandson Erik Hillestad has written completely new lyrics to some of his grandfather's well-known and unknown hymns.

The concert will be broadcast live from Oslo Vestre frikirke.

 

Who was Sigvard Engeset?

Engeseth lived from 1885 to 1974. Already at the end of his life his name was known and beloved by the Christian people. In 1920 he went to Kristiania, being called to the free church of the capital, where he remained for the rest of his life. After the war, having been a synod chairman in the free church for many years, Engeseth figured that he had to make a stand against all the strict and unreasonable demands for a christian life. He wrote a novel titled “You’ve offended me”. Here he made a stand with man-made commandments and rules, especially those concerning the youth, and particularly the girls.

The novel tells the tale about a pastor who gives his daughters an abundance of freedom. By publishing this novel he got a lot of trouble, but he was unbreakable. If the church people wanted to lay an unchristian burden on the youth, they would have to find another chairman. He showed the same commitment with the arrival of ten-sing, and shocked with his new form of music. Engeset performed as a soloist, 80-years old, at a ten-sing concert, and his peers showed shamefully up. Sigvard Engeset deserves to be remembered. He combines poetic gifts with a folklike freedom and inner joy.

 

Who is Erik Hillestad (lyrics)

Erik Hillestad (1951) founded Kirkelig Kulturverksted and his productions are frequently used as records for reference by hi-fi enthusiasts. Hillestad has received several prizes and awards for his work and was the first producer to receive Spellemansprisen. 

 

Who is Solveig Slettahjell (vocal)

Slettahjell has over several years and a number of record releases worked with different expressions of jazz, soul, funk, free improv music, contemporary music, as well as having interpreted hymns and spirituals. She sings both her own material and others. She is a master of making everything she sings her own.

 

Who is Kjetil Bjerkestrand (arrangements / keys)

Bjerkestrand has produced albums from Anne Grete Preus and A-HA, among others. He has two albums together with saxophonist Tore Brunborg, and made music for several movies and TV-shows together with Magne Furuholmen under the same Timbersound. He has composed music for theater, and previously worked closely with Ivo Caprino.

 

Who is Espen Leite (accordion)

Leite is a musician that works without limiting himself to musical genres. He’s heavily influenced by argentinian tango, contemporary music and balkan folk music. He blends it all together with virtuosity and passion. He has toured with different artists and orchestras, like Grzech Piotrowskis World Orchestra, and released his own solo album.

 

Who is Pål Hausken (percussion)

Hausen is a jazz drummer, and he has contributed to releases from Thomas Dybdal to Ida Jensus and Frida Ånnevik, among others. Hausken has collaborated with Slettahjell for several years. A fruitful collaboration that has resulted in two albums and a nominasjon to Spellemanns prisen. 

 

FAQ

How long can I re-watch this concert?

The recording is available for a year after the livestream, meaning to 31. october 2021. 

 

How many songs will be performed?

Slettahjell, Bjerkestrand, Leite and Hausken performers ten songs. Hillestad will introduce the background for the project.

 

How long will the concert last?

The concert will last for one and a half hours, meaning 90 minutes.

 

Who is playing?

Solveig Slettahjell (vocal) 

Kjetil Bjerkestrand (arrangements / keys) 

Espen Leite (accordion) 

Pål Hausken (percussion)