Search - Leifs, Guybjornsson, Schola Cantorum :: Baldr Op 34

Earth shattering! Figuratively and literally

Russ | Richmond, VA | 08/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a rewarding experience it has been to explore the compositions of Icelandic composer Jón Leifs (1899-1968)! I am sure those adventuresome enough to acquire some of this music would surely agree: Leifs is one of a kind. His music has such a primitive quality that it is beyond most modern compositions in its extremes. Yet, I believe this music, somehow, remains completely accessible, with its endearing melodies and exciting climaxes, which are among the most powerful in all of classical music. In fact, it was never Leifs' desire to become a modern composer, but rather to compose music based on his interpretation of Icelandic folk music.



In many ways "Baldr" is Leifs' greatest work. He spent more time on this piece than any other, and "Baldr" is certainly among the largest of Leifs' compositions. This piece was composed between 1943 and 1947 and was considered by Leifs as a "protest against the abuse of the northern tradition in recent years" which refers to "the widespread appropriation of Nordic culture (including Jón Leifs' own music) by Nazi ideologists during the Third Reich."



The overall story in "Baldr" was taken from the "Edda," written by Snorri Sturluson around 1220, and concerns a man (Baldr) who angered the god Loki by marrying a woman (Nanna) who rejected the advances of Loki. Loki unsuccessfully attempts to destroy Nanna and Baldr with a massive wind storm. Following this, all living and inanimate objects swear an allegiance not to harm Baldr. All animals and items take the oath, save the mistletoe which is brushed aside. No one notices, and the mistletoe is thrown at Baldr, who then dies. The whole thing concludes with a massive volcanic eruption.



As with Leifs' tone poems (i.e. Hekla), an expanded percussion section is used, including anvils, pistols, cannons, metal chains and rocks (you can see I wasn't joking when I said this music has a "primitive" quality). In addition to this, Leifs has included a part to be played by lurs (ancient Nordic brass horns). But this music is not only fascinating for its orchestration, but also for its melodic content. "Baldr" contains many delightfully unique dance pieces. The use of Icelandic folk melodies is readily apparent in the dance depicting Nanna rejecting the advances of Loki. Also notable is the exuberant dance which follows the wedding. Things start off simple enough, with a charming oboe melody, but Leifs has a tendency to continue to add to the orchestral texture until the whole orchestra is at maximum volume, and you are diving for your stereo's volume dial in order to preserve the integrity of your speakers. Within such pieces, Leifs keeps things interesting by altering the placement of accents. Sometimes the emphasis is on the downbeat, however the emphasis alters to the upbeat when you least expect it. Leifs considered this rhythmic shifting, as well as the harmonizing of melody in parallel fifths, to be a fundamental characteristic of Icelandic music. In any case, the music is completely unpredictable, but totally engaging.



Those who have sampled the tone poems know to expect big things from the wind storm and volcano movements, and the music here surely doesn't disappoint. No one can compose a natural disaster quite like Leifs. Within these movements, the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra really has a blast as the players, especially the brass, are pushed to their extremes. Leifs knew what he was doing here, as he witnessed the 1947 eruption of Mount Hekla just prior to completing the volcano scene. In these movements, the expanded percussion section is brilliantly used to give the impression of a rumbling and angry Earth.



This disc, as well as the other Leifs discs issued by BIS, has my highest recommendation. The playing by the ISO is outstanding and BIS' engineering is top notch. If you are new to this composer, and the price of two discs makes you little nervous about making the plunge, start with "Hekla" or "Works for Voices and Orchestra." If you have acquired those, what are you waiting for?



Awesome!



90:02



***

If you acquired and enjoyed this CD, and are on the lookout for other interesting CD's on this subject matter, be sure to look into Geirr Tveitt's "Baldur's Dreams" also in the BIS label."