Composer

:

Finn Mathiassen

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:54

'Salme' is a choral work composed by Finn Mathiassen, a Danish composer, in 1972. The piece was premiered in the same year by the Danish National Radio Choir, conducted by Stefan Parkman. 'Salme' is a four-movement work that is characterized by its use of traditional Danish hymns and its incorporation of contemporary compositional techniques. The first movement, 'Guds fred er mer end englevagt' (God's peace is more than angelic watch), is a setting of a traditional Danish hymn. The movement begins with a solo soprano voice singing the hymn melody, which is then taken up by the choir. The harmonies are rich and complex, with dissonances and suspensions adding tension and interest to the music. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful resolution. The second movement, 'Hvorledes skal jeg møde' (How shall I meet), is also based on a traditional Danish hymn. This movement is more rhythmic and lively than the first, with a driving pulse and syncopated rhythms. The choir sings the hymn melody in unison, with occasional harmonies adding color and texture. The movement ends with a triumphant, joyful conclusion. The third movement, 'Hvad er det at møde' (What is it to meet), is a departure from the traditional hymn settings of the first two movements. This movement is more experimental, with dissonant harmonies and unusual vocal effects. The choir sings in a whispering, breathy tone, with occasional bursts of full-voiced singing. The movement ends with a quiet, mysterious atmosphere. The final movement, 'Nu takker alle Gud' (Now thank we all our God), returns to the traditional hymn setting of the first two movements. This movement is more contemplative and introspective than the others, with a slower tempo and more sustained harmonies. The choir sings the hymn melody in unison, with occasional harmonies and counterpoint adding interest. The movement ends with a peaceful, meditative conclusion. Overall, 'Salme' is a unique and compelling work that combines traditional Danish hymns with contemporary compositional techniques. The use of dissonance, unusual vocal effects, and rhythmic complexity adds interest and depth to the music, while the traditional hymn melodies provide a sense of familiarity and comfort.

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