Published by the American Union of Swedish Singers www.auss.org In its 122nd year of Performing Svenska Sånger in America Volume CXXII April, 2014 No. 4 Carl Michael Bellman in Atlanta At a Nordic Lodge meeting on March 23rd, the Vasa Drängar presented a pro- gram about Carl Michael Bellman, in- cluding a talk by Professor Jay Lutz. Bellman, who lived between 1740 and 1795 was one of Sweden’s most well- known and beloved song-writers. King Gustaf III was an avid supporter and pa- tron. As a thank-you, Bellman wrote several songs in honor of the king, such as Gustafs skål. The murder of the king in 1792 was a terrible blow for Bellman. He had received not only encouragement from Gustaf III but also financial sup- port. The following years were a degrad- ing catastrophe and, in 1794, Bellman Vasa Drängar in action, accompanied by Bo Hörnfeldt on the guitar. was arrested for his debts and incarcer- ated. This broke his health, and he died performed to the troubadour’s own guitar songs they learned. Others of Bellman’s in penury shortly after his birthday in accompaniment. Indeed, there were other most well-known songs are, to just February 1795. troubadours in the 18th century, but none mention a few: Fjäriln vingad syns på Bellman performed his songs to his of them went down in history. It actually Haga, Nå skruva fiolen, Vila vid denna own accompaniment on the cittern, a flat- took another century before Swedish källa and Solen glimmar blank och trind. bottomed lute-like stringed instrument, troubadours (“vissångare”) of importance Many of Bellman’s songs were translated dating from the Renaissance. The music appeared, such as Birger Sjöberg, born in into English in the mid-20th century by he used for his poems was partially his 1885, Evert Taube, born in 1890, and the British author, translator, and own compositions and partially borrowed Ruben Nilson, born in 1893. broadcaster, Paul Britten Austin, who from different sources, such as French More than 200 years after Bellman’s was married to a sister of Sweden’s music or from Swedish composers. death, his songs are still alive. There is famous film director, Ingmar Bergman. There is no doubt that Bellman was the hardly any Swede who does not know at They lived in Stockholm where he origin of the great and unique Swedish least a couple of his songs. Even Swed- worked for Radio Sweden. tradition of singing “visor” – the Swedish ish kids know of Bellman since his Gub- Professor Jay Lutz delivered a very version of ballads that are very often ben Noak is possibly one of the very first interesting lecture on Bellman and intro- duced a number of Bellman songs, per- formed by a beautifully sounding Vasa Drängar. On their repertoire were Käraste bröder, systrar och vänner, Gubben Noak, Joakim uti Babylon, Vila vid denna källa, Liksom en herdinna, Ren calad, and, in Austin’s translation, Fjäriln vingad syns på Haga. We also heard Bellman’s lullaby Lilla Charles (sov sött i frid) performed by the guitar trio of Sten Ekberg, Hans Hörnfeldt and Hans’ father, Bo Hörnfeldt, visiting from The guitar ensemble of (left to right) Bo Hörnfeldt, Hans Hörnfeldt and Sten Ekberg. Östersund, Sweden. Photos: Inga-Lill Hörnfeldt ~ Göran Rygert, Vasa Drängar April 2014 MUSIKTIDNING page 2 of 6 President’s Message Alana Mapes, AUSS President, [email protected] Why Attend a Convention??? After attending an AUSS Convention, you will be hooked. OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE If at all possible, you will never miss another. That’s why it’s AMERICAN UNION OF SWEDISH SINGERS difficult to understand why all singers do not go. I was once (Organized November 24, 1892) one of those singers who did not attend conventions, unless A Musical Journal in English and Swedish they were on the West Coast. "To teach, cultivate and promote Chorus singing, principally Swedish." What can we tell a singer who thinks: “I don’t know many ELLEN SVENGALIS, Editor Tel: (860) 535-0362 singers, why should I go to a convention?” 204 Wyassup Road Fax: (860) 535-0378 Here is the scoop. When you arrive at registration it will be No. Stonington, CT 06359 E-mail: [email protected] like a family reunion. People who have not seen each other CHARLES UPCRAFT JAMES R. MAURICE for four years will be reconnecting. Will you feel left out? Business Manager Subscriptions 4525 Parkside Lane 445 E. North Water St. E2203 NO! There will be people welcoming new singers to their Edina MN 55436 Chicago, IL 60611-5542 first convention and introducing you to others. Singers from Phone: (952) 928-8173 Tel: (312) 670-9570 the host choruses will be extremely E-Mail: [email protected] Winter (Jan-Apr) tel: (727) 729-6269 E-mail (all yr.): [email protected] helpful in making you comfortable. OFFICERS OF AUSS 2012-2016 Phone: (503) 866-9692 You will, of course, find others from President: Alana Mapes E-mail: [email protected] your chorus. The first evening, there 25500 NW Svea Dr. Hillsboro, OR 97124 DIVISION PRESIDENTS (2010-2014) will be some sort of entertainment and Phone: (503) 647-5486 Eastern: Ellen Svengalis refreshments, with social time follow- E-mail: [email protected] 204 Wyassup Rd. ing. You will get instructions about No. Stonington, CT 06359 Vice President: Christine Johnson Phone: (860) 535-0362 where and when to practice the next 700 S. Main Street Ste 119-133 E-mail: [email protected] day. By the end of the first day you Lapeer, MI 48446-3077 Phone: (313) 506-5458 Central: David Winter will have made many new friends and E-mail: [email protected] 3550 N. Lake Shore #1004 feel like part of the group. Chicago, IL 60657 Secretary: Kelly Otto Phone: (773) 549-1678 After a quick breakfast, practice will P.O. Box 20835 E-mail: [email protected] begin. This will be led by the outstanding Division or Na- Portland, OR 97294 Phone: (503) 318-7929 Western: Karen Jones tional Directors. Think about singing by yourself in the car. E-mail: [email protected] 2521 S. W. Bertha Boulevard How much better does it sound if you are part of a quartet? Portland, OR 97201 Financial Secretary: James R. Maurice Phone: (503) 244-1469 Then how much better is singing in a choir of 20 to 40 sing- 445 E. North Water St. E2203 E-mail: [email protected] ers. Now, imagine a HUGE choir of 100 to 300 singers. The Chicago, IL 60611-5542 Phone: (312) 670-9570 OTHER OFFICES sound is spectacular! Even if you don’t feel confident with Winter (Jan-Apr): 670 Island Way #904 Website Coordinator: your part, or the language, there is always another singer near Clearwater, FL 33767 Ellen Svengalis who is happy to help. You leave practice for a lunch break FL phone: (727) 729-6269 204 Wyassup Rd. E-mail (all yr.): [email protected] No. Stonington, CT 06359 with more new friends, eager to continue later. Phone: (860) 535-0362 Individual chorus night is a time to hear other groups from Treasurer: Charles Upcraft E-mail: [email protected] 4525 Parkside Lane around the country, and a time for your chorus to share their Edina MN 55436 Chorus Recruitment Chairman: talents as well. As always, more social time and casual sing- Phone: (952) 928-8173 Carl-Erik Westberg E-Mail: [email protected] P. O. Box 178 ing follow. Hospitality rooms are a great place to get to know Londonderry, VT 05148 others. They offer food and drink, and casual, spontaneous Librarian: Robert Voedisch Phone: (802) 824-6578 722 N. Haddow St. Fax: (802) 824-3358 singing. New conventioneers are valued, important, and wel- Arlington, IL 60004 E-mail: [email protected] comed everywhere. Phone: (842)255-7253 E-mail: [email protected] Membership Directory Coordinator: Grand Concerts and banquets and recognition awards need Kelly Otto little explaining, and you will definitely feel like part of Director-in-Chief: Sherry Dreyfuss P.O. Box 20835 11665 Gleneagles Lane Portland, OR 97294 AUSS family by then. Belvidere, IL 61008 Phone: (503) 318-7929 So, back to my original question, “Why should I attend a Phone: (815) 885-1424 E-mail: [email protected] convention?” WHY NOT? If you have a young family, make Fax: 815-885-2250 E-mail: [email protected] HONORARY PRESIDENTS, AUSS it a family vacation. There are a lot of things to do in conven- Donald Lamont Asst. Director-in-chief: Ken Olsson Carl-Erik Westberg Continued on page 4 P.O. Box 445 Jody Jones Jamaica, VT 05343 Joseph P. O’Leary Phone: 802-874-4366 MUSIKTIDNING SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: E-mail: [email protected] HON. DIRECTORS-IN-CHIEF Robert Read Please send material to the Musiktidning Editor. If possible, please Asst. Director-in-chief: Vance Sele Arthur W. Elander send both stories and photos via E-mail ([email protected]) 314 NW Treglown Ct. Ernest Gunn Hillsboro OR 97124 Jeffrey DeLay Material for the May issue is due May 8. April 2014 MUSIKTIDNING page 3 of 6 Seattle Swedish Choruses News In February, the Seattle choruses sang visits so much that we have a difficult is fun for the audience and singers alike. for the St Joseph Home, a retirement time leaving after the performance. Shady Grove (with “The Cuckoo”) is a community for nuns. They enjoy our Cream puffs, coffee and ice cream cones traditional American folksong, arranged await us at the end of our performance by Nancy Boone Allsbrook and Glenda and there ensues lively conversation with Goodin.