The Fire Sermon - Norse Saga is my debut album and grew out of my fascination with Nordic music

and the idea of bringing together music that lies close to my heart. It is a collection of Norwegian and

Finnish works, some of which I have felt a particular connection to since childhood, while others I have

discovered along the way.

The starting point of the project is Einojuhani Rautavaara's Piano Sonata No. 2, The Fire Sermon. From my

first encounter with the piece, I have been captivated by it's dramatic intensity and mysterious, searching

atmosphere. I experience this music as a journey of transformation.

The title Norse Saga reflects the stories, mythology, landscapes, and spirit of the Nordic world that runs

through the album. Some works draw directly on Nordic mythology, while others evoke the landscapes

and cultural heritage of Norway and Finland.

A particularly important part of the project is a newly commissioned work by Marcus Paus, written

specifically for me as a pianist and inspired by Norwegian paintings. I find his musical language

particularly fascinating in the way it draws on tradition while exploring unexpected harmonies and

colours, creating something both musically original and intimately beautiful.

Through this album, I want to share the beauty of this music. / Ellisiv Tandberg