Swedish choir-singing has become a trademark of the highest grade. It’s called “The Swedish Choral Wonder”.
It is believed that the Swedish choir movement started in Uppsala in 1808. It happened during a peace march in connection with the war in Finland between Sweden and Russia, when male students sang together in parts. The singing united them in this common cause – the national freedom. Unfortunately, Sweden lost Finland to Russia, but the choir-singing continued.
During the 19th century it spread to churches, schools, working-class movements and gave birth to choral societies. Choir-singing became used as a tool for unity.
Women did not take part in this singing until the middle of the 19th century.
Today about 6% of Sweden’s population – that is about 600,000 people – sing regularly or occasionally – in a choir. Many of them are under 25 years old, linked to schools, universities.
As time went on many new choruses developed, as well as choir-associations. Now professor-ships in choir-conducting and composition are established. Symposia for choir-singers are popping up, courses for children-choir leaders are arranged, and much more.
According to statistics, culture customs are taking more and more space in Swedish people’s lives. The activity of singing in a choir is increasing in Sweden as well as in the other Nordic countries. A study from 2006 showed that Sweden was the most culture-active country in Europe.
More and more of Sweden’s choral groups participate in international choir competition, often very successfully. Maybe the so-called Swedish choir-sound has contributed. It was legendary choir-leader Eric Ericson who personified this ideal of sound that has characterized Swedish choir-singing since the 1950.s. He for instance wanted to sing more rhythmically and intonationally exact. His singers learned to read the music accurately, no vibratos, and be careful with placing the consonants.
Finally, it is a medical fact that we feel better of singing in a choir. Research show that choir-singing can make us live longer!
Göran Rygert
Source: Gunnel Fagius: Det svenska körundret.