Leifs: Edda, Pt. 2, Op. 42 "The Lives of the Gods"

Interpretation ****      Sound Quality *****    Repertoire Value ***      Booklet ****

“…it is an important music-historical document that in its own way offers the listener the luxurious listening pleasure of an alternative Nordic modernism.”

"... this disc is highly recommendable."

Richard Hanlon - Recording of the year 2019

“Over more than two decades Robert von Bahr has been single-minded in his proselytizing on behalf of another figure whose reputation has been unfairly compromised by what might be viewed as an accident of geography. His BIS label’s impressive edition devoted to the Icelander Jón Leifs reached its thirteenth volume with the release of the second part of Leifs’ monumental Edda trilogy. This is an extraordinary disc whose outstanding sound (in both stereo and surround) gets closer to Leifs’ impossible sonic ambitions (and unique approach to orchestral and choral colour) than any of the previous issues, impressive as they are. This is a visceral experience indeed – the magnificent new Harpa hall in Reykjavik providing an awesome acoustic to match the characteristically full-bodied BIS engineering. The performances by the Icelandic forces and soloists under Hermann Bäumer are also world class.”

“Jon Leifs was Iceland’s first national composer. The second part of the Edda oratorio is powerful and directly conveys the image of Iceland’s rugged nature. The vocal soloists, the choir and also the Iceland Symphony Orchestra perfectly know how to present this music convincingly. “  ****

"The sounds of Iceland's landscape and folklore make their way into Edda II, the second part of the composer's mammoth North myth-inspired trilogy. Expect a raw lyricism, tectonic force and yodelling tenor." ****

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