Spark of Light

Description

Soprano, Alto, Bass, Piano — AboutJónas Halgrímsson (1807-1845) was an Icelandic poet, author and naturalist, who is considered one of Iceland's most renowned poets. Considered a Romantic writer, the strong imagery in his poetry was influenced heavily by the landscapes around him.The imagery, excitement, and curiosity of the universe leapt off the page and the music almost wrote itself.xa0 Reflecting on the cosmos and origin of the heavens, "the poetry illicits excitement and stirs spatial imagery - "...speeding spark of light", "...wings swifter than wind...", "...I watched the stars...rise from the still stream of heaven...". xa0 The pure and almost child-like fascination with the universe and its expansion and progression fuels the perpetual rhythm of the work as it continually pushes forward.xa0 "xa0xa0 https://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/Jonas/Alheim/Alheim.htmlA good friend asked if I would write a song for her ensemble.xa0 The parameters were that it had to be three-part with a limited range in the Bass part.xa0 With these stipulations I began to write.xa0 I searched for something that would be exciting for them and landed on Jonas Halgrimsson’s writings.xa0xa0 There is such a need for three-part music that is both exciting, accessible, and challenging.xa0Director’s NoteTruly consider how the work can come to ‘life’ off the page.xa0 Rise and fall with phrase and sometimes each note.xa0 The magic exists beyond the ink on the page!Consideration to range, tessitura, and content was all considered as part of this process in creating music that is accessible to all programs and ensemblesAccompaniment NoteThe accompaniment can look intimidating, but please feel free to alter the pulsing eighth notes in the left hand with the eighth notes in the right-hand so it creates a compound rhythm.xa0 So long as the momentum of the work is pressed onward, you are doing this work justice. There is a need for SAB music that is both exciting, accessible, and challenging and Steffan's writing crackles with energy and interest! The pulsating piano accompaniment enhances the interesting and varied vocal lines set to lyrics from a compelling text, sure to be a favorite at any concert or festival performance. Highly recommend!

Preview Pages