After Denmark's defeat in 1864, the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, along with 40% of Denmark's population, were ceded to Prussia, forcing Denmark to redefine its national identity.
Performer Biography
Musica Ficta, the vocal ensemble on this album, was founded in 1996 by composer and conductor Bo Holten to realize his vision of a flexible, project-oriented vocal ensemble.
Historical Context
Following Germany's defeat in World War I, a plebiscite in 1920 led to the northern part of Schleswig rejoining Denmark, establishing the border that still exists today.
Historical Context
From the Middle Ages until 1864, the Danish state included the southern duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, which had a mixed German/Danish population.
Historical Context
The two Schleswig Wars (1848-50 and 1864) were fought over the status of Schleswig, with German-minded residents wanting to separate from Denmark and Danish liberals wanting to integrate it into the Kingdom of Denmark.
Performer Biography
Bo Holten, the conductor and composer, is recognized as a leading figure in early music, particularly for his groundbreaking work with vocal polyphony in the Nordic region.
Album & Artwork
The album title, "Sange fra grænselandet" (Songs from the Borderland), refers to the region where Jutland meets Germany, a place of cultural blending and conflict for over a thousand years.
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