Jón Leifs - Edda, Part 2. The Lives of the Gods (Hermann Bäumer)

Information

Composer: Jón Leifs

1. Edda, Part 2: The Lives of the Gods: I. Odin
2. Edda, Part 2: The Lives of the Gods: II. Sons of Odin
3. Edda, Part 2: The Lives of the Gods: III. Goddesses
4. Edda, Part 2: The Lives of the Gods: IV. Valkyries
5. Edda, Part 2: The Lives of the Gods: V. Norns
6. Edda, Part 2: The Lives of the Gods: VI. Warriors

Hanna Dóra Sturludóttir, mezzo-soprano
Elmar Gilbertsson, tenor
Kristinn Sigmundsson, bass

Schola cantorum. chorus master: Hörður Áskelsson
Iceland Symphony Orchestra
Hermann Bäumer, conductor

Date: 2019
Label: BIS Records
https://bis.se/conductors/baumer-hermann/jon-leifs-edda-part-ii

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Review

Anyone who’s heard Icelander Jón Leifs’ large-scale oratorio Edda, Part I (review) will have an inkling of what to expect from Part II. Originally intended as a four-part work - The Creation of the World, The Lives of the Gods, Twilight and Resurrection, only the first two were completed, in 1937 and 1966 respectively. The umbrella title is derived from medieval collections of Icelandic prose and poetry, which provide plenty of scope for epic treatment. And so it proves, although listeners familiar with Leifs’ more visceral pieces may be surprised at his sparing use of the vast forces involved. (In 13 sections, Part I is scored for tenor, bass-baritone, chorus, organ, lur [a straight natural blowing horn without finger holes], ocarina, bagpipes and orchestra.) Then again, this music - broad, gaunt and implacably ancient - seems to spring from the landscape itself.

Of course, it’s not necessary to hear both parts, as they are self contained. That we have a choice at all is down to BIS, who have dedicated themselves to recording Leifs’ long-neglected output. A quick look at eClassical reveals no less than 68 album entries, which is quite remarkable for a composer who still evades the attention of all but the most persistent and adventurous explorer. I first came to his music via a download of Geysir and other orchestral pieces, with Osmo Vänskä and the Iceland Symphony (BIS-1830). In fact, that’s a pretty good place to start, as the music is both accessible and exciting. In the same spirit of inquiry, I can heartily recommend Recurrence, an absorbing collection of contemporary Icelandic works superbly played by the ISO under Daníel Bjarnason (Sono Luminus). As it happens, that ‘quietly spectacular’ album was made in Reykjavik’s Harpa Concert Hall, as was this world-premiere recording of Edda, Part II.

And it’s all gain, for while the seemingly cavernous acoustic of Hallgrim’s Church, the largest in Iceland, suits the distant, primordial narrative of Part I, The Creation of the World, the bold, colourful character of its follow-up, The Lives of the Gods, really comes alive in this ultra-modern performing space. (The inaugural concert took place on 4 May 2011.) In particular, timbres and textures register far more clearly, as do the soloists and mixed choir. Also, the soundstage is more precise, spatial relationships nicely caught. Musically, the opener, ‘Odin’, is quasi-Wagnerian at first, although Leifs quickly reverts to his economical, rather declamatory style, timps and bass drum prominent in the mix. That’s especially true of the immensely virile second movement, ‘Sons of Odin’. And what incisive singing from the ideally placed Schola Cantorum, led by Hörður Áskelsson. As for conductor Hermann Bäumer, on the podium as for Part I, his grip on the music is admirable, momentum never in doubt, even in Leifs’ less propulsive passages, such as those of ‘Goddesses’.

Any reservations at this halfway point? None to speak of, especially when the score is so deftly navigated and delivered with such conviction. In general, the soloists are secure, the Icelandic mezzo Hanna Dóra Sturludóttir’s soft, sustained highs very impressive indeed. That said, the real interest seems to reside in the orchestra and choir. Happily, Leifs injects just enough variety into the piece to ensure interest, although listeners unfamiliar with the composer’s idiom may feel differently. To those I say, give the music time to ‘bed in’, for it’s worth the effort. As expected, Hans Kipfer’s engineering is first rate, the unbridled energy of ‘Valkyries’ and ‘Norns’ thrillingly caught. The finale, ‘Warriors’, is even more of a sonic and musical tour de force; indeed, the tireless choir and heroic drum beaters deserve special praise for their blazing commitment to this intriguing score. If you must choose, go for Part II, which I find far more rewarding. On reflection, though, I do think Part I, set down in 2006, would have benefited from being recorded in the magnificent acoustic of the Harpa hall; alas, it didn’t exist at the time. The succinct and informative liner-notes by Heimir Ingólfsson.

Not a neglected masterpiece, perhaps, but well worth hearing nonetheless; also, the inspired playing and singing are superbly rendered.

-- Dan Morgan, MusicWeb International

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Jón Leifs (1 May 1899 – 30 July 1968), was an Icelandic composer, pianist, and conductor. Born in Iceland, he left for Germany in 1916 to study at the Leipzig Conservatory and graduated in 1921. During this period he also studied composition with Ferruccio Busoni. Beginning with piano arrangements of Icelandic folk songs, Leifs started an active career as a composer in the 1920s. In 1945 he moved back to Iceland, and became a fierce proponent of music education and of artists' rights. Most of his works is inspired by Icelandic natural phenomena and classic Icelandic sagas.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%B3n_Leifs

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Hermann Bäumer (born 28 January 1965 in Bielefeld) is a German conductor. He studied at the University of Music in Detmold, then served with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, as both an orchestral player and at the podium. Since 2004, Bäumer has been General Music Director of the Osnabrück Symphony Orchestra and has guest-conducted in Germany and abroad. He has recorded for labels such as cpo and BIS. From 2011/2012 season onwards, Bäumer has been the General Music Director of the State Theatre in Mainz.
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermann_B%C3%A4umer
http://www.hermannbaeumer.com

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