Sibelius Snofrid

The Viking Soul.Op. 29. Snöfrid. This is an improvisation for narrator, mixed choir and orchestra. Words are written by Viktor Rydberg. It was completed in 1900. The premiere was given in Helsinki on 20th October 1900. Snöfrid is somewhat of a turning point in Sibelius's compositions. Snöfrid appeared frequently in concert programmes until the 1920s, after which it slowly began to fade into oblivion. The work begins tempestuously with the first bars of the choir followed by surging figures in the orchestral accompaniment.The figure of Snöfrid resists temptations to free himself from the shackles of the Wood Nymph. Lahti Symphony Osmo Vanska http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt-BMRyN2NU&feature=share&list=PL15B031C1BB8AF764 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg3Mf4cpcdY&feature=share&list=PL15B031C1BB8AF764