Harald Genzmer

Lieder einer Insel GeWV 46

Since an invitation to the Emerald Isle, Harald Genzmer (1909-2007) has been fascinated with the local tradition and culture. Therefore, after the songs 'Irische Harfe', he wrote another cycle for mixed choir at a ripe old age: 'Lieder einer Insel'. In three parts with ten choral settings altogether, the composer tells stories from the mythology of the Emerald Isle in the Irish poems, in the texts of old and modern lyricists, describes emotions, desires, laments: from 'Weissagung Cathbads' to 'Lobgesang der Gerechten', from the bright 'Mönch und seinem Lieblingskater' to the sad lament 'Das Lied in einem Mädchenherzen', from the tender 'Anrufung des Friedens' to the contemplate 'Abendgebet'. The freely tonal settings range from simple, chordal-homophonic via declamatory to expressive. Of intermediate difficulty, these choral miniatures are suitable not only for professional ensembles but also for ambitious amateur choirs.