Originally intended as a Christmas CD, Triakel’s second release developed a broader theme while the trio was in the studio — winter. And not just any winter, a Swedish winter. This beautiful follow-up to 1998’s eponymous Triakel celebrates not just Yuletide, but Advent, St. Stephen’s Day, New Years and Epiphany with a glorious blend of tunes and words old and new, both joyous and somber.
Janne Stromstedt (harmonium), Kjell-Erik Eriksson (fiddle) and Emma Hardelin (vocals) are joined on their sophomore effort by ABBA alum Benny Andersson, who plays accordion and penned the music to a new song , the solemn New Year’s hymn, “Innan gryningen” (The Silence of the Dawn). This hymn subtly blends a religious theme with that of winter, a leitmotif oft-repeated throughout the thirteen tracks on the CD. The opening track, “Julvisa fran Alvdalen” (Christmas Carol from Alvdalen) demonstrates this perfectly, its first verse devoted to welcoming Jesus, the second devoted to welcoming winter with the same sense of joy and reverence.
There are several “Staffanvisa,” or St. Stephen’s Day, songs, with generally upbeat melodies and decidedly odd lyrics, such as “we’ve twigs and trash your porch to fill” and “you’re rascals all, upon my soul.” The CD booklet mentions that on St. Stephen’s Day the well-to- do distribute presents to the less fortunate and children run from house to house, singing Staffanvisa for food, drink and gifts. A curious blend of Boxing Day and Halloween (minus the costumes and scares, but with teasing and treats firmly in place), it would seem.
“Knalle Juls vals” (The Christmas Tree Seller’s Waltz) is one of the disc’s more endearing songs, being the titular tree seller’s light- hearted tribute to his sole remaining tree and his beloved wife. Two other songs of note, on opposite ends of the emotional spectrum, are “Bergslagsjul” (Christmas in the Mining District) and “Torspar- julaftas-vaggvisa” (The Crofter’s Christmas Eve Lullaby). The former finds beauty in the rough edges of the miners as they join their fellow worshippers on Christmas morning. By contrast, the lullaby paints a bleak picture of the poor during winter, suffering while even the rats and mice feast. Both are very poignant songs, but for vastly different reasons.
Vintervisor is not a typical Christmas CD, full of sing-along carols and familiar tunes. Triakel, with their gentle music, and Emma’s gorgeous voice, evoke the peaceful drift of snow from the heavens as watched from beside a crackling fire, and amongst the many blessings of family and friends. Vintervisor is a welcome addition to any seasonal music collection, and promises more good things to come from this trio.
(MOno Music, 2000)
