IN HEAVEN’S HALL (I HIMMELEN) is based on a traditional Swedish hymn from the area of Dalecarlia.
It is scored for a large choir, singing the melody, and a small choir, imitating church bells.
At the top four soloists repeat short phrases in a very high register. They use an arcaic style of singing called kulning.
Traditionally it was employed outdoors, to call animals or communicate with other people over long distances.
The dramatic sound is intense and piercing without vibrato.
