Bjarnason/Magnusson - Leifs: Complete Songs

Something of a cult figure, J�n Leifs is especially known for spectacular orchestral works often inspired by the natural phenomena of his native Iceland - such as volcanoes (Hekla) or waterfalls (Dett�foss) - or the great Icelandic sagas (Saga Symphony, and the large-scale, unfinished Edda oratorio). But throughout a turbulent life, Leifs also composed a number of solo songs all of which are gathered here. Many of these 32 songs (including several folk song arrangements) give unusually clear insights into the composer: more than Leifs' work in any other genre, his song writing was often inspired by deeply personal events in his life, and consequently span a huge range of emotion and expression, from delicate lullabies to the most forceful of epic songs. This is brought out by Finnur Bjarnason and �rn Magn�sson, both stalwart champions of the music by their compatriot in concert and on disc. Bjarnason has previously appeared on BIS in the substantial Gr�a's Spell for alto, tenor and orchestra (BIS-1080), while Magn�sson has recorded Leif's complete piano music for the label. The present performances were originally released on the Smekkleysa label, in 2001, as a two-disc set. For this release they have been remastered and combined on a single disc by BIS Records, in the hope that they will reach a new and wider audience, serving as an introduction to and deepening the understanding of a highly individual voice in twentieth-century music.