Smålandsposten 100414
By: KRISTINA BINGSTRÖM
Today, Kristina from Duvemåla is released in English, as the concert version of the musical that was given at Carnegie Hall in New York in September. The fact that the CD is released on the day of the Royal Albert Hall concert in London, with the same ensemble, is of course no coincidence. The aim is to spread the music outside of Sweden.
Kristina from Duvemåla is Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson’s magnificent work. With Emigrants they immortal Kristina and Karl Oskar’s way to America from Småland. At the premiere in Malmö in 1995, Helen Sjöholm, Anders Ekborg and Peter Jöback had the leading roles. In Carnegie Hall only Helen Sjöholm was left as Kristina, the other solo numbers were performed by American singers.
And I like Russell Watson`s Karl Oskar. He takes advantage of the occasions when his powerful voice really carries the lead role. Keven Odekirk as Robert may also be clearly recognized, although I wish a bit more sensitivity in Gold Can Turn To Sand.
But as always, it is around Helen Sjöholm’s clear voice everything circles. When the applause (smartly stored on the recordning) never wants to end after the climax You Have To Be There, youget goose bumps as much from the voice as of the applause.
There are some parts that better suits the scene of the real musical, but overall this CD is a brilliant production.