Northern Lights (Vocal Score)

Originally composed for solo voice Dona nobis pacem combines the vocal style of the yoik tradition (a Sámi form of song) and a more classical female vocal style. This arrangement for upper voices as recorded by Cantus on their album Northern Lights develops this vocal palette further (as does the SATB version also available).Mo

‘Njoktje’ is the South Sámi word for a swan and this music is based on an old yoik (a traditional Sámi form of song) which creates and ‘audio image’ of this beautiful bird rather than simply describing it. In this piece which was recorded by Cantus on their album Northern Lights elements from the original yoik have been used together with the composer’s own experience of the bird as well as his own musical language.   An independent four-part yoik ostinato in the alto 2 part underpins much of this work and that combined with the flowing melodies and close harmonies creates a unique and very attractivesoundscape.   Fjellheim’s distinctive and approachable musical language which many will recognise from the use of his music at the opening of Disney’s Frozen will appeal to both singers and audience.

Sacred was originally part of a Mass setting in which the composer combined the traditional Latin Mass movements with elements from the Sámi yoik tradition other Norwegian folk music and traditional Finnish music. This version for upper voices was recorded by Cantus on their album Northern Lights and is very approachable for choirs of all abilities. There are no words only ‘yoik syllables’ with no meaning for which a pronunciation guide is included. Fjellheim’s distinctive and approachable musical language which many will recognise from the use of his music at the opening of Disney’s Frozen will appeal to both singers andaudience.