Composer

:

Jón Leifs

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1924

Average_duration

:

3:51

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Jón Leifs' 'Verses (3) from Hávamál, Op. 4' is a composition for solo voice and piano, based on three verses from the ancient Icelandic poem Hávamál. The piece was composed in 1929 and premiered the same year in Reykjavik, Iceland. The three movements of the piece are titled "The Words of the High One", "The Words of the Wise One", and "The Words of the Guest". Each movement sets a different verse from Hávamál, which is a collection of wisdom and advice attributed to the Norse god Odin. The first movement, "The Words of the High One", is a slow and contemplative setting of the verse "Cattle die, kinsmen die, you yourself will also die; but I know one thing that never dies, the judgment of a dead man's life." The piano accompaniment is sparse and atmospheric, creating a sense of solemnity and introspection. The second movement, "The Words of the Wise One", is a more lively and rhythmic setting of the verse "The wise guest has his way of dealing with those who taunt him at the feast; he smiles and speaks softly with words of wisdom, and the taunts soon cease." The piano accompaniment is more active and playful, reflecting the wit and wisdom of the verse. The third movement, "The Words of the Guest", is a haunting and atmospheric setting of the verse "A guest must depart again on his way, nor stay in the same place ever; if he bides too long on another's bench, the loved one soon becomes loathed." The piano accompaniment is sparse and ethereal, creating a sense of transience and impermanence. Overall, 'Verses (3) from Hávamál, Op. 4' is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Jón Leifs' skill as a composer and his deep connection to Icelandic culture and mythology.

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