Home Welcome People Current Season Past Concerts Chamber Choir Rehearsals Joining Contact Reviews Links Tickets Edward Elgar's King Olaf The Corn Exchange, Bedford Saturday, November 22nd 2008 7.30 p.m Bedford Choral Society with Bedford Symphony Orchestra Soprano soloist: Rachel Nicholls Tenor soloist: Peter Hoare Baritone soloist: Olafur Sigurdarson Conductor: Ian Smith For our forthcoming concert we are performing Edward Elgar's King Olaf . This rarely performed work has many striking and beautiful passages and brilliant orchestration. King Olaf, a cantata for soprano, tenor and bass soloists, full choir and orchestra, comprises a prologue, nine scenes and an epilogue. The work was first performed on October 30th 1896 as part of the North Staffordshire Music Festival in the Victoria Hall, Hanley and was conducted by Elgar himself on this occasion. Although 'Olaf' was performed regularly in the years immediately following its composition, it has been largely neglected until recently. Elgar's libretto is based on H. W. Longfellow's epic poem The Saga of King Olaf that narrates a series of episodes in the often-violent life of the Norwegian King. Olaf converted to Christianity just before the turn of the first Millennium and sought to impose his new found faith on his subjects, worshippers of Thor and Odin. Early in the work, King Olaf attempts the conversion of lronbeard. The rugged old warrior defies Olaf and is subsequently slain by the king. There follow other episodes of love and war and eventually King Olaf's death following a sea battle. The Epilogue attempts to make sense of these events. The Will of God must prevail through peace and love, not through war and hatred. Notable choruses include "I am the God Thor" (Longfellow), "As leaps the light of winter", the choral ballad "A little bird in the air" and, in the Epilogue, "As torrents in summer". There are also some vivid solo passages. We are very glad to welcome back Rachel Nicholls (soprano) and Peter Hoare (tenor). Joining us for the first time is Olafur Sigurdarson (baritone). Our Musical Director, lan Smith, will be conducting Bedford Choral Society and Bedford Symphony Orchestra. For concert tickets, please call the Bedford Box Office:

Page: Current Season - 2008