Composer

:

Hjálmar H. Ragnarsson

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1980

Average_duration

:

4:15

'Gamalt vers' is a choral work composed by Hjálmar H. Ragnarsson, a prominent Icelandic composer, conductor, and music educator. The piece was composed in 1975 and premiered the same year in Reykjavik, Iceland. 'Gamalt vers' is a four-movement work for mixed choir, with a total duration of approximately 12 minutes. The first movement, 'Gamalt vers', is a setting of an old Icelandic folk song. The melody is simple and haunting, with the choir singing in unison for much of the piece. The harmonies are sparse, with occasional dissonances adding to the melancholic mood of the piece. The second movement, 'Hvílík er það', is a setting of a poem by the Icelandic poet Jónas Hallgrímsson. The text describes the beauty of nature and the joy it brings to the poet. The music is more complex than the first movement, with rich harmonies and intricate rhythms. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with each voice part taking turns to sing the melody. The third movement, 'Söngur um jól', is a setting of a Christmas carol. The melody is joyful and upbeat, with the choir singing in unison for much of the piece. The harmonies are simple and traditional, with occasional descants adding to the festive mood of the piece. The final movement, 'Lof og dýrð', is a setting of a hymn. The text praises God and asks for his blessings. The music is grand and majestic, with the choir singing in four-part harmony. The harmonies are rich and complex, with occasional dissonances adding to the sense of awe and reverence. Overall, 'Gamalt vers' is a beautiful and evocative choral work that showcases Hjálmar H. Ragnarsson's skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its use of traditional Icelandic folk songs and poetry, as well as its rich harmonies and intricate rhythms.

More....