Ola Gjeilo - Days Of Beauty SSAA, Piano (sheet music)

Combining choir, piano and strings, this album reimagines beloved carols, alongside brand new compositions which evoke the spirit of winter. Christmas favorites such as ‘The First Nowell’, ‘The Holly and the Ivy’ and ‘Silent Night’ alternating with beautiful Gjeilo works such as ‘The Rose’ and ‘Ecce Novum’ – balancing the new and the familiar in perfect harmony.

Ola Gjeilo says: “I’ve always wanted to do a Christmas album and I’m so excited to get to share these winter-inspired tracks, 15 collaborations with the amazing Choir of Royal Holloway and 12 Ensemble.” The new recording features Ola Gjeilo on piano, the Choir of Royal Holloway, and 12 Ensemble – a collection of London’s finest and most exciting chamber musicians. The conductor is Rupert Gough, Director of Choral Music and College Organist at Royal Holloway since 2005.

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Ola Gjeilo (pronounced "YAY-lo") is a Norwegian-born composer and pianist, known for his atmospheric and emotionally resonant choral music. He is one of the most performed living composers of choral music in the world.

Who is Ola Gjeilo?

Ola Gjeilo: short Biography

Ola Gjeilo's journey in music began early and spans multiple continents:

• Early Life and Education: Ola Gjeilo was born in Skui, Norway, on May 5, 1978. He started playing piano and composing by ear at the age of 5 and learned to read music at 7. His early aptitude was so strong that his father would write down his compositions for him.
• Formal Studies: He pursued his passion for music through a world-class education:
  • Norwegian Academy of Music (Oslo, 1999-2001)
  • The Juilliard School (New York, 2001)
  • Royal College of Music (London, 2002-2004), where he received his Bachelor's degree.
  • The Juilliard School (New York, 2004-2006), where he earned his Master's degree, both in composition.
• Later Career: Gjeilo is an exclusive artist for the prestigious Decca Classics label and currently resides in the United States.

Musical Style and Influences

Gjeilo has a distinctive style that has made his music widely popular:

• A Unique Blend: His music is a fusion of various elements, including the improvisational spirit of jazz, the lush harmonies of film scores, the simplicity of folk music, and the timeless quality of Gregorian chant.
• Hallmark: Gjeilo is also an accomplished pianist, and his own piano improvisations often form the core of his choral works, creating a rich, layered sound.

Notable Works and Achievements

His career is marked by several significant accomplishments:

• Key Compositions: Among his most famous works are the large-scale pieces for choir and orchestra:
  • Sunrise Mass: A major work for strings and choir.
  • Dreamweaver: Based on a medieval Norwegian ballad, with text by his regular collaborator, Charles Anthony Silvestri.
  • The River: Composed as part of the prestigious 2016 Brock Commission from the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA).
• Discography: Some of his acclaimed albums include:
  • Ola Gjeilo (2016): His self-titled debut on Decca Classics, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Surround Sound Album.
  • Winter Songs (2017): A collection of seasonal choral and piano music with strings.
  • Night (2020) and Dawn (2022): Two albums of solo piano music inspired by the atmosphere of his home in New York.
• Collaborations and Accolades: Gjeilo has held composer residencies with renowned ensembles like the Grammy-winning Phoenix Chorale and the vocal group VOCES8.

Further Exploration

To explore his music further, you can visit his official website at olagjeilo.com. His music is published worldwide by major houses.