1. The Norwegian choral ensemble Cantus was formed in 1986 by a group of young women who wanted to take control of their own performances. The group, consisting of 30 amateur singers, is based in Tronheim and led by Tove Ramlo-Ystad, who joined as a singer and has become the group's director. Cantus typically performs arrangement of classical and contempary works, and has crossed over into jazz, folk, and pop music.
The group credits its participation in choral competitions with sharpening its focus and raising the quality of its performances.
Cantus has become an international sensation because of its inclusion on the soundtracks of both Disney films Frozen I and II, featuring the tracks Vuelie and Reindeer Circle, written by Frode Fjellheim and Christophe Beck.
2. Originally founded at St. Olaf College, Cantus is now a nine person male vocal ensemble based in Minneapolis. They sing a wide variety of vocal music, and have performed in some innovative theater pieces as well.
3. Cantus from Lithuania, making some mixture of Christian and Lithuanian folk music.
Winter's Night
Cantus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And hours that go on broken wings
A thirsty body, a tired heart
And the unchanging ache of things
If I could make a single song
As lovely and as full of light
As hushed and brief as a falling star
The lyrics to Cantus's song "Winter's Night" reflect a profound reflection on the beauty and solace that can be found in moments of solitude and introspection. The opening line, "I should be glad of loneliness," suggests a departure from the typical societal expectations that often view loneliness as a negative state. Instead, the songwriter finds value in the quiet and contemplative hours, acknowledging that they can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery.
The verses further emphasize this sentiment, describing a thirsting body and a tired heart, which may symbolize a yearning for deep connection and fulfillment. The phrase "the unchanging ache of things" indicates a recognition of the inherent imperfections and struggles that come with life. It highlights the songwriter's acceptance of the complexities and challenges that exist, yet also hints at a desire for transcendence and a longing for something more.
The second stanza introduces the idea of creating a song that encapsulates the ephemeral and radiant nature of a falling star on a winter night. This metaphor implies the songwriter's aspiration to capture moments of beauty and fleeting transcendence in their artistry. The desire to create something as "lovely and as full of light" suggests a deep appreciation for the transformative power of music, and a yearning to share that beauty with others.
Line by Line Meaning
I should be glad of loneliness
I should appreciate the solitude and embrace it
And hours that go on broken wings
Even though time flies painfully slow
A thirsty body, a tired heart
My body longs for fulfillment, and my heart is weary
And the unchanging ache of things
The constant agony of life's hardships
If I could make a single song
If I could compose a solitary melody
As lovely and as full of light
That is as beautiful and radiant
As hushed and brief as a falling star
As serene and fleeting as a shooting star
On a winter night
In the midst of a cold, dark night
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Dale Warland
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind