THE FUTURE OF MODERN MUSIC  

                       ! Featured Composer of the Month !

                                                        Jón Leifs

Icelandic composer Jón Leifs  lived from 1899 to 1968. He developed a profoundly original folk expression.

His characteristic off balance rhythms and crushing explosive bursts are revelatory of a high effective expression.

The music for chorus with orchestra (e.g. Guðrienarkviða – The Lay of Guðrun 1940) makes effective use of

unbalanced rhythms and texts common in Old Norse legends. His phrases reflect the rugged, idiosyncratic contours

of his native language. Tremendous climaxes and sudden ruptures recall the rugged Nordic landscape. His best works

include Hafis (Drift Ice 1965); Geysir (1961); Hekla (1961 volcanic mountain); Dettifoss (Icelandic waterfall 1964);

Landsýn (Landfall 1955); Baldr (1943-7 – drama with wordless choir and orchestra). Also important is his

Saga Symphony (1941-2 – ‘Söguhetjur’ – First Symphony). In these he frequently called for unusual percussion; rocks;

ship’s chains; anvils; petri (stones); sirens; large wooden stumps; pistols; and cannons, some items electronically enhanced.

Fine 1 (1963) and Fine II (1963) are beautiful works composed towards the end of his life.

.

CHECK OUT OTHER COMPOSERS

FROM AROUND THE WORLD IN

Available through Independent Publisher Group 
   800.888.4741 or orders@ipgbook.com

              $19.95

                                                                               Copyrighted © 2006 by  J & A Music Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved