Composer

:

Karin Rehnqvist

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:22

'När natten skänker frid' (When Night Confers Repose) is a choral work composed by Karin Rehnqvist in 1993. The piece was premiered on October 16, 1993, by the Swedish Radio Choir, conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, 'När natten skänker frid' (When Night Confers Repose), is a serene and peaceful setting of a poem by Swedish poet Erik Johan Stagnelius. The choir sings in unison, creating a sense of unity and calmness. The second movement, 'Sång till natten' (Song to the Night), is a more lively and rhythmic piece, with the choir singing in harmony and accompanied by percussion instruments. The text is a poem by Swedish poet Dan Andersson, celebrating the beauty and mystery of the night. The final movement, 'Nattens drottning' (Queen of the Night), is a powerful and dramatic setting of a poem by Swedish poet Edith Södergran. The choir sings in harmony, with the sopranos soaring above the other voices, creating a sense of awe and reverence. Rehnqvist's use of traditional Swedish folk music elements is evident throughout the work, particularly in the second movement, which features a rhythmic ostinato reminiscent of a polska dance. The composer also employs extended vocal techniques, such as whispering, hissing, and humming, to create a sense of otherworldliness and mystery. Overall, 'När natten skänker frid' is a hauntingly beautiful and evocative work that captures the essence of the night and its many moods and emotions. Rehnqvist's masterful use of choral textures and folk music elements, combined with her innovative vocal techniques, make this piece a true masterpiece of contemporary choral music.

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