"I discovered Sissel after I went to Norway on vacation last year, from a close Norwegian friend, who told me how Sissel was discovered, being discovered first at a concert as a young girl, in Bergen, Norway. Her voice is angelic, pure, and sweet. Every album transforms you into a magical, far-off place when you listen and play the album again and again to keep the spirit alive in your heart. Sissel never disappoints! Whether the lyrics are in English, Italian, or her native Norwegian, Sissel captivates your attention, as you await for her next recorded treasure to be unveiled."
Sissel superb
John C. Taylor | Olympia, WA, USA | 11/29/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The album, Northern Lights, once again shows that Sissel is incredibly superb, in a class of her own. I have long compared her to the New Zealand opera singer, Kiri te Kanawa, truly world class. Her range of material and her vocal abilities elevate her music to the very top. I also had the good fortune to see the DVD that was made when she recorded Northern Lights. Wonderful!
I must admit, however, the piece that alwways brings tears to my eyes is the very first one I heard her sing. That was the Olympic Hymn, at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Lillehammer Winter Games.
"
THIS ONE MAKES YOU MELT..TRULY A GEM
W. Budris | Rosedale, NY | 12/19/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been trying to see this special in the NY area on PBS, but have failed so far. Luckily, was able to pick this up last night at Barnes & Noble. Listening with headphones, I absolutely melted. This is one of the warmest albums I've heard in a long time.
Sissel has ceased to amaze me, and I'm so glad I investigated her other work since first hearing her ahh-ing away in the Titantic soundtrack. Though there are holiday songs as part of this collection, it is not a total holiday album. It is also not a CD version of the Live TV performance with audience, however a Live recording of just the music itself. Gorgeous throughout. In comparison to her ahh-ing, she does a do-do-do-do this go round on a great version of Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. The duet with Jose Carreras is also lovely, and is a take on "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" that Diana Ross recorded several years ago.
I'm now looking forward to getting the DVD of this program, since I'm not sure my PBS affiliates are showing it around here. When you think "Northern Lights", you would assume extreme cold being where the real Northern Lights are seen. This Northern Lights really melts your heart and calms you down. Wonderful."
Voice of an angel
Matthew | Anamosa, IA USA | 12/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Until PBS played Sissel: Northern Lights I had never heard of Sissel. She is an amazing singer with a voice of an angel. Her songs are inspiring and touch the heart. Her songs bring tears to my eyes. The songs in the Northern Lights video as well as CD are songs that will last a lifetime because of her voice and the beautiful arrangements of these wonderful songs. This music of Sissel's is a must have!!"
Sissel has arrived
Michael Wheeler | Las Vegas, Nevada United States | 03/07/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"During this last Christmas I was watching PBS and saw a singer that brought me to tears. Her voice was so pure and angelic, I could not believe what I was hearing.
Sissel has the voice of an angel, her voice is literally God given.
I went out and bought the Christmas concert on DVD and CD and spent weeks listening to it almost exclusively.
She not only had a great voice, but you kept wanting more and more.
I was hesitant to buy this CD because I was afraid she would not capture the spirit she did with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
I finally broke down and bought this CD, figuring that if the songs were about Christmas and winter, maybe it was worth buying.
What she has put together here is nothing short of a masterpiece.
If you watch the Northern Lights DVD, she sings again several songs she did with the MTC. I chose to buy the CD first, wanting to hear the new songs she had recorded.
Hymn to Winter is a great song about true love with poignant lyrics.
When will my Heart Arise is an English version of Mitt hjerte alltid vanker, which she states is her favorite Christmas song. I loved hearing the lyrics in English as opposed to Norwegian like she sang with the MTC.
Going Home is another great song. The entire CD is excellant and certainly worth buying.
What you have here, is the finest soprano voice in the world, She will Captivate you with your voice and the music will haunt you like you have never heard before. Sissel is not well known in the United States ( or at least not as popular as she is in Europe. I used to think Celine Dion on Titanic was a great voice. Sissel puts Celine Dion to shame. Now I listen to Titanic with new ears and hear her incredible voice. Sissel is on the verge of being very big in the United States........It's only a matter of time. This could be the break she needs.
This is for people who love Classical, or Traditional Folk music from other countries than the United States.
I recommend this CD to anyone who loves music at its purest, and its finest..........Enjoy"