Concert Reviews

These brilliant tenors

MUSIC

Langholts Church

Choir Concert

Heimir Men’s Choir under the direction of Stefán R. Gíslason performed a program of Icelandic and foreign songs. Soloists were the brothers Pétur, Sigfús, and Óskar Pétursson and Einar Halldórsson. Accompanists were Jón St. Gíslason on the accordion and Thomas Higgerson at the piano. Monday, June 10, 1996.

Discovering the secret of these brilliant Skagafjörður tenors and for the pleasure they derive from singing together would make a very pleasant subject for investigation. This joy of singing does not stem solely from the genetic traits characteristic of that region, however likely it is that such singing abilities are built on the hereditary characteristics of their vocal cords, but probably has its roots in the character of the people of Skagafjörður. The intense interest in singing together as a social activity also plays an important part. What characterizes the sound of the Heimir Men’s Choir is its natural and unaffected manner that results in a beautiful and musical performance, especially in quiet and sensitive repertoire. The concert program reflected their love of, and kinship with, the natural beauty of nature, an outgrowth of their lifestyles as farmers and outdoorsmen. The solidarity of their ensemble and the pleasure they derive from singing together comes across clearly to the listener.

The main items on the program were Ísland and Áfram, both by Árna Thorsteinsson, Brennið þið vitar and Úr útsæ rísa Íslands fjöll, both by Páll Ísólfsson. These four songs, staples of men’s choir repertoire, were sung with beautiful taste and style. Þú komst í hlaðið is one of the most often-performed songs for men’s choir and was sung with heartfelt sensitivity. Heyrið vell’a á heiðum hveri by Björgvin Guðmundsson was beautifully sung by soloist Pétur Pétursson, as was Þótt þú langförull legðir, by Sigvalda Kaldalóns, which Einar Halldórsson performed with great style. His splendid voice is a valuable asset to the choir.

Litfríð og ljóshæfð by Gunnar Thoroddsen was beautifully sung by Sigfús Pétursson, who has an unbelievably high and “white” tenor voice. Ég sé þig by Heimir member Gunnar Gunnarsson was arranged for the choir by the conductor and is a fine and popular song performed by Óskar Pétursson with great sensitivity. Óskar is a well-known soloist and participated in the “tenor festival” in Reykjavík several years ago. At this concert he also sang Vorsól, a splendid song by Björgvin Þ. Valdimarsson.

Other songs on the program were enjoyable in every way, especially Dúdda á Skörðugili by Friðrik Jónsson, with lyrics by Bjarka Árnason. On the whole this was a very enjoyable concert, characterized by an obvious joy of singing together under the direction of Stefán R. Gíslason, who also arranged several of the songs, and his excellent accompanist Thomas Higgerson.

Jón Ásgerisson

Morgunblaðið, June 13, 1996

English translation by Thomas Higgerson

With an eye to the future

Music

Heimir Choir Concert at Grafarvogs Church, Reykjavík

Various choir works by Icelandic and foreign composers. Heimir Men’s Choir with soloists drawn from the choir, under the direction of Stefán R. Gíslason. Accompanists Thomas Higgerson at the piano and Jón St. Gíslason on the accordion. Friday, 19 March 1999 at 8:30pm.

The first concert in the memory of this writer that required the police to control traffic was held last Friday night. Every parking lot in neighbouring streets was full and Grafarvogs church was full to the door. Although most of the listeners were natives of Skagafjörður and rose to their feet for the performance of the anthem of that fjord, it was apparent that the tremendous enthusiasm shown by the audience was not simply the result of familial ties.

It was also immediately apparent at the beginning of the concert that the choir would give an excellent account of itself in response to this wonderful turnout. Although this writer was not familiar with the Heimir Men’s Choir before this concert, it was never-the-less clear that a more beautiful-sounding choir with a better balance between the voices could not be found anywhere, neither here in Iceland nor abroad. It is very rare that one hears such fortissimo singing with no sign of harshness or stress, while, on the other hand, producing such a pure and effortless pianissimo—both dynamic levels being absolutely pure in tone and without a hint of force. And the tenors! The reputation of these Skagafjörður tenors is certainly not exaggerated, and they did more than live up to their reputation, both in solos and in ensemble. Their sound was gentle, pure, and majestic in every way.

In other words, this choir is a tremendous ensemble that not only North Iceland can be proud of, but that the entire country and even all of Scandinavia can take pride in.

It was a surprise, however, that this excellent choir with its able conductor offered a program of songs that departed little from tradition. Although there were to be found true gems that were wonderful in their own way, the program was built along very traditional lines drawn from men’s choir repertoire that established itself between the two World Wars. A half-century has passed since this type of program appealed to most people’s tastes. This writer believes that an unnecessarily large percentage of the songs offered by the Heimir,however beautifully performed,were drawn from this tired repertoire. The Heimir could show its rivals whether it can be satisfied to perform insignificant and unambitious repertoire, or, by virtue of its standing, can demonstrate what other choir literature is available. To add insult to injury, several songs on their program were repeated due to audience demand.

There was no evidence that the audience found the program to be anything less than enjoyable. Quite the opposite. But if the best aspects of men’s choir singing in Iceland are to endure into the next century, change and renewal are necessary. Otherwise this unique and wonderful medium could be headed for extinction

Ríkharður Ö. Pálsson

Morgunblaðið, March 1999

English translation by Thomas Higgerson