Composer

:

Wilhelm Peterson-Berger

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1898

Average_duration

:

21:22

Wilhelm Peterson-Berger's 'Album, 8 songs for chorus, Op. 11' is a choral work that was composed in 1896. The piece premiered in Stockholm, Sweden, on May 22, 1896, and was performed by the Orphei Drängar choir, which was conducted by the composer himself. The 'Album' consists of eight movements, each of which is a setting of a Swedish folk song. The first movement, 'Vallåt,' is a lullaby that features a gentle, rocking rhythm and a soothing melody. The second movement, 'Sång till solen,' is a hymn to the sun that is characterized by its bright, major-key harmonies and its energetic rhythms. The third movement, 'Vid foten av fjället,' is a song about the mountains that features a slow, majestic melody and rich, sonorous harmonies. The fourth movement, 'Vallflickans dans,' is a dance tune that is characterized by its lively rhythms and playful melodies. The fifth movement, 'Vid Rönnöns källa,' is a song about a spring that features a flowing, lyrical melody and delicate, shimmering harmonies. The sixth movement, 'Sång till Norden,' is a hymn to the north that is characterized by its expansive, open harmonies and its soaring melodies. The seventh movement, 'Vid havet,' is a song about the sea that features a rolling, undulating rhythm and a sweeping, dramatic melody. The final movement, 'Vallflickans morgonbön,' is a morning prayer that is characterized by its gentle, peaceful harmonies and its simple, heartfelt melody. Overall, the 'Album' is a beautiful and evocative work that showcases Peterson-Berger's skill as a composer and his deep love for Swedish folk music. Its rich harmonies, lyrical melodies, and varied rhythms make it a joy to listen to, and its themes of nature, love, and spirituality give it a timeless quality that continues to resonate with audiences today.

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