Jon Leifs: Complete Songs
Sheet Music

SKU: NX.BIS-2170

By Finnur Bjarnason and Örn Magnússon. By Jon Leifs. Classical. Hybrid super audio listening CD. Published by Naxos (NX.BIS-2170).

Something of a cult figure, Jon Leifs is especially known for spectacular orchestral works often inspired by the natural phenomena of his native Iceland - such as volcanoes (Hekla) or waterfalls (Dettifoss) - or the great Icelandic sagas (Saga Symphony, and the large-scale, unfinished Edda oratorio). But throughout a turbulent life, Leifs also composed a number of solo songs all of which are gathered here. These 32 songs (including several folk song arrange­ments) often give unusually clear insights into the com­poser: more than Leifs' work in any other genre, his song writing was often inspired by deeply personal events in his life, and consequently span a huge range of emotion and expression, from delicate lullabies to the most forceful of epic songs. This is brought out by Finnur Bjarnason and Örn Magnússon, both stalwart champions of the music by their compatriot in concert and on disc. Bjarnason has previously appeared on BIS in the substantial Groa's Spell for alto, tenor and orchestra (BIS-1080), while Magnússon has recorded the complete piano music for the label (on BIS-692). The present performances were originally released on the Smekkleysa label, in 2001, as a two-disc set. For this release they have been remastered and combined on a single disc by BIS Records, in the hope that they will reach a new and wider audience, serving as an introduction to and deepening the understanding of a highly individual voice in 20th century music.

About Listening CDs

Listening CDs are traditional music recordings. Listening CDs make a great educational supplement - hear exceptional professionals play the music you're learning! Or, just enjoy listening to the music you love.