Music of Iceland
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The music of
Folk music
Icelandic music has a very long tradition, with some songs still sung today dating from 14th century. Folk songs are often about love, sailors, masculinity, hard winters, as well as
Iceland's isolation meant that, until the 18th century, foreign influences were almost completely absent, which resulted in the maintenance of a particular rhythm, called
- Ólafur reið með björgunum fram, villir Hann, stillir "Hann,
- hitti hann fyrir sér álfarann, þar rauði loginn brann,
- Blíðan lagði byrinn undan björgunum, blíðan lagði byrinn undan björgunum fram.
Rímur are epic tales sung as alliterative, rhyming ballads, usually a cappella. Rímur can be traced back to the Viking Age Eddic poetry of the skalds and employs complex metaphors and cryptic rhymes and forms.[1] Some of the most famous rímur were written between the 18th and early 20th centuries, by poets like Hannes Bjarnason (1776–1838), Jón Sigurðsson (1853–1922) and Sigurður Breiðfjörð (1798–1846).
In the early 18th century, European dances like polka, waltz, reel and schottische begin to arrive via Denmark. These foreign dances are today known as gömlu dansarnir or literally the "old dances". After their arrival, native dance and song traditions fell into serious decline. For a long time, rímur were officially banned by the church. Paradoxically, many Icelandic priests were keen in making rímur. Rímur remained popular recreation until the early 20th century. In recent years, efforts have been made to revive native Icelandic forms. For example, a modern revitalization of the Rímur tradition began in 1929 with the formation of the organization Iðunn.[2]
Protestantism has also left its mark on the music of Iceland.
Popular music
The music of Iceland includes vibrant folk and pop traditions and is expanding in its variety of sound styles and genres. Well-known artists from Iceland include alternative rock band The Sugarcubes, singers Björk, Hafdís Huld and Emilíana Torrini, and post-rock band Sigur Rós, as well as electronic music groups like GusGus. Iceland's traditional music is related to Nordic music forms.
Icelandic popular music today includes many bands and artists, ranging from
One widely known Icelandic artist is eclectic singer and composer
Popular artists
Indie and pop-rock
According to the Icelandic label Record Records, the indie pop-folk group
Other artists that are attracting attention outside Iceland include the electro-pop group FM Belfast, indie pop / rock / folk band Kaleo as well as the singers and composers Sóley and Sin Fang, who are both known as founding members of the band Seabear.
Alternative and metal
The alternative and metal scene is vibrant with Icelandic bands playing large festivals in Europe and the United States. The metal-band Sólstafir is widely known outside Iceland. Already back in 1999 they had a contract for their debut album with a German record label. The Viking-Metal Band Skálmöld played two sold out shows with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra in the capital's concert hall Harpa in December 2013.[8] Agent Fresco combine metal, rock and alternative elements with the unique voice of singer Arnór Dan Arnarson and have also gained international attention. The instrumental post-rock and alternative-rock band For a Minor Reflection is widely known since supported Sigur Rós on tour back in 2009. Their sound is often compared to Explosions in the Sky or the Scottish post-rock band Mogwai. Dead Skeletons are not only known for their unique psychedelic-rock sound but also for their artwork and an art gallery in Reykjavik run by front man and singer Jón Sæmundur Auðarson.[9] The Vintage Caravan, founded by two of the members in 2006 when they were only 12 years old, have played festivals in Europe, including the Wacken Open Air and toured with bigger bands like Europe and Opeth.
Iceland also has a thriving extreme metal scene which is gaining recognition abroad.[10][11][12][13][14] The black metal band Svartidauði are widely considered a central figure in the development of the Icelandic black metal scene. Many of the scene's most significant albums were recorded and produced at Studio Emissary, a recording studio set up by Irish musician Stephen Lockhart,[11] and the cassette label Vánagandr has also had a significant role in the development of the country's black metal scene.[13] In 2016, the music festival Oration MMXVI debuted as Iceland's first black metal festival, and subsequently returned for two final instalments in 2017 and 2018.[11] In 2016, black metal band Misþyrming were selected as one of Roadburn Fesitval's artists in residence.[15]
Electronic music
The techno house group GusGus is one of Iceland's most successful exports in the field of electronic music. So far they released nine studio albums. The latest Lies Are More Flexible came out in February 2018.
Other artists include DJ duo
The international franchise Sónar held their first festival in Reykjavik in 2013 with a long roster of international and local electronic acts.
Experimental
Classical elements also characterize the symphonic music of Icelandic born composer and singer Ólafur Arnalds. Other widely known experimental bands are Múm and the high school originated Hjaltalín.
The trio Samaris have gained attention, especially in Europe, and have played festivals all over Europe. Their self-released EP, Stofnar falla, received positive reviews and was followed by their self-titled debut album, released in July 2013.
Classical music
Composition
Classical music came to Iceland comparatively late, with the first Iceland composers working in the western, classical tradition emerging in the late 19th century and the early 20th century. Among them was Sveinbjörn Sveinbjörnsson, who is considered to have been the first Icelandic professional composer.[16] Among his contributions to Icelandic music is the national anthem, Lofsöngur. Belonging to this first generation of Icelandic composers were Sigvaldi Kaldalóns and Sigfús Einarsson, and Emil Thoroddsen, best known for their songs with piano accompaniment. The most significant Icelandic composer in the first half of the 20th century was Jón Leifs.
Today, Iceland has a vibrant classical music scene, with numerous composers of contemporary music achieving international success..
Performance
The first proper orchestral concert in Iceland was held in 1921, in conjunction with the royal visit of
Additionally, a number of musical ensembles regularly perform in Reykjavík, playing music that ranges from Baroque to contemporary music. These include Reykjavík Chamber Orchestra, CAPUT ensemble and Nordic Affect. Several classic music festivals are held in Reykjavík and all around Iceland annually, including Dark Music Days and Reykjavík Midsummer Music.[18]
Icelandic classical instrumentalists have achieved success internationally. Undoubtedly, the most famous Icelandic citizen within the world of classical music is the Russian pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy, who settled in Iceland with his Icelandic wife Þórunn Jóhannsdóttir in 1968, following their defection from the Soviet Union. He was awarded Icelandic citizenship in 1972.[19] Other notable, Icelandic classical instrumentalists with international careers include Sigurbjörn Bernharðsson, violinist and member of the Pacifica Quartet,[20] Elfa Rún Kristinsdóttir, violinist,[21] Víkingur Ólafsson, pianist,[22][23] and the cellist Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir.[24]
List of Icelandic music artists
- Á Móti Sól
- Árstíðir
- Agent Fresco
- Amiina
- Anna Mjöll
- Apparat Organ Quartet
- Ásgeir Trausti
- Bang Gang
- Björk
- Bony Man
- Botnleðja
- Bubbi Morthens
- Daði Freyr
- Daníel Ágúst
- Dikta
- DIMMA
- Eberg
- Egó
- Emilíana Torrini
- Eurobandið
- For a Minor Reflection
- FM Belfast
- GDRN
- Glowie
- GusGus
- HAM
- Hafdís Huld
- Hatari
- Hildur Guðnadóttir
- Hilmar Jensson
- Hjálmar
- Hjaltalín
- Jagúar
- Jakobínarína
- Jófríður Ákadóttir
- Jóhann Jóhannsson
- JóiPé
- Jónsi
- Jónsi & Alex
- Just Another Snake Cult
- Kaleo
- Katrín Lea
- Kiasmos
- Kukl
- Laufey
- Lay Low
- Leaves
- Leoncie
- Low Roar
- Magni Ásgeirsson (Rock Star Supernova)
- Maus
- Megas
- Mammút
- Mezzoforte
- Mínus
- Moses Hightower
- Mugison
- múm
- Noise
- Of Monsters and Men
- Ókindarhjarta
- Ólafur Arnalds
- Ólafur Kram
- Ólöf Arnalds
- Páll Óskar
- Parachutes
- Pascal Pinon
- Purrkur Pillnikk
- Quarashi
- Ragnheiður Gröndal
- Rökkurró
- Samaris
- Sálin hans Jóns míns
- Sigur Rós
- Sign
- Seabear
- Sin Fang
- Singapore Sling
- Skálmöld
- Skoffín
- Snorri Helgason
- Sóley
- Sólstafir
- Stafrænn Hákon
- Steed Lord
- Stjórnin
- Supersport!
- Svala Björgvinsdóttir
- Svartidauði
- The Sugarcubes
- Tappi Tíkarrass
- Teitur Magnússon
- Todmobile
- Trabant
- Una Torfa
- Utangarðsmenn
- Valdimar
- Valgeir Sigurðsson
- Vök
- Weapons
- Yohanna
- Þeyr
National anthem
The national anthem of Iceland is "Lofsöngur", written by Matthías Jochumsson, with music by Sveinbjörn Sveinbjörnsson.[25] The song, in the form of a hymn, was written in 1874, when Iceland celebrated the one thousandth anniversary of settlement on the island. It was first published under the title "A Hymn in Commemoration of Iceland's Thousand Years".
Music institutions
- Iceland Music aims to aid in exporting Icelandic music abroad. It runs a website and newsletter with information about Icelandic music, with a social media presence where an audience can follow development in Icelandic music.[26] ÚTÓN is the local wing of Iceland Music which educates musicians on matters of music promotion as well as administering funds and general consultation.[27]
- The Music Information Center (MIC) is a national agency for contemporary and older, mostly classical, music. It is also part of the International Music Information center.[28]
- Samtónn is an umbrella organization for Icelandic authors, performers and producers.[29]
- Mengi in Reijkjavik is a centre for avant garde music, experimental music and contemporary music. The organisation organizes performances, exhibitions, conferences and runs a recording studio and a record label.
Festivals
Iceland hosts a variety of music festivals. The biggest festival is Iceland Airwaves with over 9000 guests. It takes place in the central area of Iceland's capital city Reykjavík for five days at the beginning of November. There is also an up-and-coming festival, Secret Solstice, which was held for the first time in the summer of 2014, June 20–22. The festival took place at the Laugardalur recreational area, also known as Hot Spring Valley, which is located just 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik. There are also a number of intimate and transformative festivals that happen year-round in the countryside, such as Saga Fest in Selfoss and LungA Art Festival in Seyðisfjörður.
Other festivals are:
- Dark Music Days
- Sónar Reykjavík
- Reykjavik Folk Festival
- Battle of the Bands - Músíktilraunir
- AK Extreme
- Tectonics
- Reykjavík Blues Festival
- Aldrei fór ég suður
- Norðanpaunk
- Gardabaer Jazz Festival
- RAFLOST
- Reykjavík Arts Festival
- Reykjavík Music Mess
- Reykjavík Midsummer Music
- IS NORD
- Við Djúpið - Summer Courses and Music Festival
- JEA Jazz Festival
- Blue North Music Festival
- Kirkjubæjarklaustur Chamber Music Festival
- Skálholt Summer Concerts
- Folk music festival of Siglufjordur
- Rauðasandur Festival
- All Tomorrow's Parties
- The Blue Church Concert Series
- Eistnaflug
- Extreme Chill Festival
- Frum - Contemporary Music Festival
- LungA
- Saga Fest
- Reykjavik Accordion Festival
- Reykholt Music Festival
- Bræðslan
- Síldarævintýrið
- Innipúkinn
- Neistaflug
- Þjóðhátíð í Eyjum
- The Icelandic Chamber Music Festival
- Pönk á Patró
- Reykjavík Jazz Festival
- Gæran
- Tradition for tomorrow
- Reykjavik Cultural Festival
- Melodica Acoustic Festival Reykjavik
- Night of lights
- Októberfest á Íslandi
- Rokkjötnar
- Sláturtíð
Venues
Concert hall Harpa held its opening concert on May 4, 2011. Bigger concerts are held in sportshalls Laugardalshöll, Egilshöll and Kórinn. Theaters such as Gamla bíó, Bæjarbíó and Iðnó are used for concerts. Austurbær is an old movie theater.
Smaller concerts are held at smaller venues or pubs located mainly around capital area.
Record labels
Some of the labels mostly concentrate on one genre, whilst others are promoting many types of music.
- 12 Tónar
- Bedroom Community
- Blánótt
- Ching Ching Bling Bling
- Dimma
- Dirrindí
- Geimsteinn
- Hljóðaklettar
- Kimi Records
- Kóp Boys Entertainment (KBE)
- Lady Boy Records
- Lagaffe Tales
- Mugiboogie
- Möller Records
- Record Records
- Sena
- SJS Music
- Smekkleysa SM/Bad Taste SM
- Synthadelia
- Zonet Music
Producers and studios
- Bang Studio
- Greenhouse Studios
- Hljodriti (Studio Syrland Hafnarfjordur)
- Medialux HQ
- Orgelsmiðjan
- Studio Syrland
- Sundlaugin Studio
- Gryfjan
Notes
- ^ Rich, G. (1977). Icelandic Rímur. The Journal of American Folklore, 90(358), 496–497. doi:10.2307/539626
- ^ Cronshaw, pp. 168–169
- ^ Chainey, Ian (May 1, 2014). "Invisible Oranges Iceland metal article". Invisible Oranges. Archived from the original on May 5, 2014. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
- ^ Kim (January 28, 2013). "Icelandic Metal is the Best Kind of Metal". Retrieved May 5, 2014.
- ^ Booking Entertainment (13 June 2013). "Björk". bookingentertainment.com.
- ^ Sigur Rós (4 May 2013). "sigur rós scores an upcoming episode of 'the simpsons'". sigur-ros.co.uk.
- ^ Reed, Ryan (14 April 2014). "Sigur Ros Share Gloomy 'Game of Thrones' Cover". rollingstone.com. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- ^ Benjamin, Tómas Gabríel. "Gourmet Viking Metal". grapevine.is. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- ^ Auðarson, Jón Sæmundur. "About Dead". dead.is. [dead link]
- ^ "The Top 10 Metal Bands From Iceland". Metal Hammer. 2016-08-29. Retrieved 2018-03-11.
- ^ a b c "Snow, Booze, and Blood: Icelandic Black Metal Is Still on Top". Noisey (in Danish). 2016-02-24. Retrieved 2018-03-11.
- ^ "Ten Bands Setting Iceland's Black Metal Scene Ablaze". Bandcamp Daily. 2017-10-12. Retrieved 2018-03-11.
- ^ a b "Scene Report – Icelandic Black Metal – Terrorizer". Terrorizer. 2016-03-31. Retrieved 2018-03-11.
- ^ "Look To The North: Why Icelandic Black Metal Is The Next Big Thing – Heavy Blog Is Heavy". heavyblogisheavy.com. 28 January 2016. Retrieved 2018-03-11.
- ^ grapevine.is (2015-10-01). "Misþyrming Is Roadburn Festival's 2016 Artist In Residence – The Reykjavik Grapevine". The Reykjavik Grapevine. Retrieved 2018-03-11.
- ^ "Briefly About History of Icelandic Music". The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
- ^ Dammann, Guy (9 January 2015). "Ice and fire: the classical music scene in Iceland". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
- ^ "Iceland Music Export: Festivals". IMX: Iceland Music Export. Útón: Útflutningsskrifstofa íslenskrar tónlistar. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
- ^ "ÍSMÚS: Icelandic Music and Cultural Heritage". ÍSMÚS. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
- ^ Schweitzer, Vivien (10 December 2015). "Review: The Pacifica Quartet Interprets Composers' 'Last Words'". The New York Times. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
- ^ "Nordic Music Council Prize: Nominees". Nordic Council Music Prize. Nordic Council. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
- ^ Hewett, Ivan (30 April 2015). "Review: Philip Glass: The Études, Barbican, review: 'a well-oiled machine'". The Telegraph. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
- ^ McCreary, Alf (19 October 2015). "Review: Ulster Orchestra is pulling out all the stops". Belfasttelegraph.co.uk. Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
- ^ da Fonseca-Wollheim, Corinna (27 March 2015). "Review: Argento Chamber Ensemble Brings Out Mahler's Inventive Side". The New York Times. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
- ^ "The Icelandic National Anthem". musik og saga. Retrieved November 11, 2005.
- ^ Iceland Music. "About Iceland Music". www.icelandmusic.is.
- ^ Útón. "Um Útón". www.uton.is.
- ^ Iceland Music Information Center. "About". www.mic.is. Archived from the original on 2014-12-01. Retrieved 2014-06-23.
- ^ Samtónn. "Um Samtónn". www.samtonn.is. Archived from the original on 2014-12-20. Retrieved 2014-06-23.
References
- Cronshaw, Andrew (2000). "Waiting for the Thaw". In Broughton, Simon; Ellingham, Mark; McConnachie, James; Duane, Orla (eds.). World Music, Vol. 1: Africa, Europe and the Middle East. London: Rough Guides. pp. 168–169. ISBN 1-85828-636-0.
- Steingrímsson, Hreinn. Dorothy Stone; Stephen L. Mosko (eds.). Kvædaskapur: Icelandic Epic Song. Archived from the original on 2005-10-13.
- The Icelandic music scene after the economic collapse Archived 2010-12-03 at the Wayback Machine
- The Real Icelandic Music Scene -- REDEFINE magazine
- "ICELAND MUSIC INFORMATION CENTRE". Archived from the original on 2014-12-01. Retrieved 2014-06-23.
- Benjamin, Tómas Gabríel. "Gourmet Viking Metal". grapevine.is. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- Reed, Ryan (14 April 2014). "Sigur Ros Share Gloomy 'Game of Thrones' Cover". www.rollingstone.com%7caccessdate=16 June 2014.
External links
- Icelandiclyrics.com
- Iceland Music, the music export office of Iceland which includes a comprehensive database of Icelandic music and musicians (in English)
- Kraumur Music Fund, supports Icelandic artists, Björk and Kjartan Sveinsson of Sigur Rós are board members (in English)
- Musik.is: The Icelandic Music Page
- Music From The Moon A scenic documentary movie about music in Iceland & Greenland
- ShopIcelandic Music
- Iceland Airwaves