The human voice and the saxophones have a lot in common. The breathing of course, but also something in the timbre. Especially when the voices uses an archaic style of singing/calling, called “kulning”. This is a technique used in Swedish folk music, traditionally employed outdoors, to call animals or to communicate with other people over long distances. Sung at full volume in a high register without vibrato it is very powerful.
– Klagosång /Lament; ca 7,5 min
– Jag lyfter blicken/ I lift up my eyes to you; ca 4 min
– Ock av törnen/…and also thorns; ca 4 min
– Rädda mig ur dyn/ Rescue me from the Mire; ca 4,5 min
Composed by Karin Rehnqvist 1994/2001. Featured composer at the festival for new music – Svensk Musikvår 2017.
Performed by Ulrika Bodén, soprano, and Stockholm Saxophone Quartet: Jörgen Pettersson, Linn Persson, Jesper Eriksson, Matias Karlsen Björnstad, in the Högalid Church, Stockholm, March 20, 2017.
