Mitt hjerte alltid vanker

Welcome to Classical Sunday on Song of the Day for Today.

This morning, I was excited to stumble upon a new-to-me recording by Norwegian violinist Mari Samuelsen (b. 1984). “Mitt hjerte alltid vanker,” which translates to “My Heart Will Always Wander,” is an old Danish hymn. Christian Badzura, the German classical record label Deutsche Grammophon’s Vice President of New Repertoire, wrote an arrangement for solo violin and chamber ensemble, played piano and synthesizer, and produced and mixed the track.

I’ve previously published posts on two Samuelsen recordings: “By This River,” a classical arrangement of Brian Eno’s (b. 1948) alternative music track, and “Moonlight,” where the Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) piano sonata was arranged for string orchestra and solo violin. (Badzura was also the arranger of these two pieces.) I recommend clicking the above links to visit those posts when you’ve finished here… both pieces of music are divine, and the posts feature videos of the performances.

Deutsche Grammophon released “Mitt hjerte alltid vanker” in 2021 as both a single and as part of Winter Tales, a classical crossover album reimagining Christmas and Hanukkah music under its Classical Sundays series.

Today’s selection does have a yuletide sound, in a lyrical, tranquil and solemn way that mixes with hope and, I think, also suggests the indomitable spirit of living through the harshest of wintry conditions (or any other challenge, for that matter). The title reference to a wandering heart may refer to the Christian gospel story, or perhaps it implies perseverance in times of darkness, or even a spirit of discovery.

Now you know a little about why this is my Song of the Day for Today. Thanks for joining me here. Please enjoy the audio from Mari Samuelsen’s YouTube channel:

With my best wishes to you,

Steve