List of works by Helgi R. Ingvarsson
2012 - present
In chronological order
Sofðu, sofðu (sleep, sleep) (2024)
sönglag / art song
Sofðu, sofðu is a gentle art song of 4 minutes duration, inspired by lullabies and ‘sleep music’ for children, without necessarily trying to be a lullaby itself. Commissioned by Rannveig Káradóttir soprano and written in April-May 2024. Premiere scheduled to take place in November 2024 in Harpa, Reykjavík.
More: https://helgiingvarsson.com/news2/2024/4/15/a-new-song-commission
Ragnarök: örlög goðanna (1.þáttur) / Ragnarok: fate of the gods (1st act) (2024)
soprano, alto, tenor and bass vocal soloists, two SATB choirs and two grand pianos
The first act of an opera based on numerous different text sources on Ragnarok, the end of the world according to Norse mythology. This first act of four contains 16 musical numbers and duration is somewhere over 1 hour. Premiere scheduled for October 2025 in Harpa, Reykjavik, Iceland.
More: https://helgiingvarsson.com/ragnarokopera
ávarp fjallkonunnar (2024)
SATB
Music set to a homonymous poem by Þórarinn Eldjárn (Thorarinn Eldjarn). A short piece for SATB choir. Premiere TBC.
heim hem home (2023)
quintet (Bb clar., trumpet, perc., violin and cello) / brass quintet / solo violin
In early 2023 my old friend Kaisa Ström invited me to write a piece for her and her four colleagues, the teachers of Svenska Barnsymfonikerna, to be premiered at a “Nordic master pieces” concert on 21st May 2023 at the Kungliga Musikhögskolan, Stockholm, Sweden.
When writing the piece the music evoked in me a sense of melancholy. It brought forth memories of all the places I have called home: Iceland, Sweden and England; for me, the music echoes good and warm memories from all these places. That is why I decided to title the piece heim / hem / home, the word “home” in Icelandic, Swedish and English.
Also available for brass quintet and solo violin. Brass quintet version premiered by Brass Fusion, 18th November 2023, at All Saints Church, Hove, UK. The version of solo violin was written for London based violinist Helena Mjöll Hafsteinsdóttir, premiere TBC.
Dur. 3-4 minutes.
Ég held um smáa hendi (little hands lullaby) (2023)
Sönglag / Art song
Written for soprano Rannveig Káradóttir for her 40th birthday in 2023. Poem by Jakobína Johnson (1883-1977). Premiered by Rannveig Káradóttir in May 2023 in Coburg, Germany.
Ég beið þín svo lengi (Long have I waited) (2023)
Sönglag / Art song - voice and piano
Based on a Nordic folk melody and on a poem by Davíð Stefánsson (1895-1964). Premiere pending.
Þögnin (The Silence) (2022)
opera for 4 singers and 3 instruments
More info (in Icelandic): http://helgiingvarsson.com/thogninopera
Written for soprano, alto, tenor and bass singers, trumpet in Bb / flugelhorn, piano and cello.
Premiere in Tjarnarbíó theatre Reykjavík Iceland, 19th and 20th August 2022.
Duration approx. 60 minutes.
Fantasy for strings no. 2 - Heyr Himna Smiður (2021)
- Violin and cello
Written for Jökla Chamber Group, Guðný Jónasdóttir cellist and Gunnhildur Daðadóttir violinist, with funding from STEF Iceland.
Premiered at Hannesarholt, Reykjavík, 21st November 2021.
The piece is a fantasy, a variation on a popular melody by Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson, Heyr Himna Smiður (“Hear me, smith of heavens”).
Þrjú Ljóð fyrir Loftslagið (2021)
- SATB
(“Three poems for the climate”)
Premiered in Norðurljós hall, Harpa, Reykjavík, Iceland, on 6th November 2021. Singers were Ingibjörg Fríða Helgadóttir, Kristín Sveinsdóttir, Þorkell Helgi and Örn Ýmir Arason. More here: http://helgiingvarsson.com/news/2021/11/22/rj-lj-fyrir-loftslagi-three-poems-for-the-climate
Styrkt af Tónskáldasjóði RÚV / Sponsered by RUV Composer Fund.
The poems were written by four students in elementary school in Iceland: Sigurbjörn Hermannsson (7th grade), Svava Dröfn Davíðsdóttir (7th grade), Vigdís Sara Vignisdóttir (3rd grade) and Þórir Sólbjartur Ínuson (7th grade).
Hátt í 400 grunnskólabörn úr öllum landshlutum sendu inn ljóð í ljóðasamkeppni sem efnt var til á Ljóðadögum Óperudaga árið 2019. Krakkarnir voru hvattir til að senda inn ljóð um náttúruna, loftslagið, framtíðarsýn sína og drauma eða annað sem féll að viðfangsefninu: breytingum á loftslaginu. Óperudagar, með aðstoð frá Tónskáldasjóði RÚV, réð svo tónskáld sem settu nokkur af þessum ljóðum í tóna.
I only write alto flute parts when I miss you (2021)
- for alto flute and piano
Live premiere tbc. Recorded by Helen Whitaker flautist and Katherine Tinker pianist in January 2023. Recording available on all major streaming platforms: https://youtu.be/nkAhwjEoofU?si=a2tuhXp9qnKj_dSs
The tern / krían (Sterna Paradisaea) (2021)
- for flute and piano
The Sterna paradisaea - Arctic Tern in English or Kría in Icelandic - is a tern in the family Laridae. This lively, and beautiful species is strongly migratory, seeing two summers each year as it migrates along a convoluted route from its northern breeding grounds to the Antarctic coast for the southern summer and back again about six months later. Average annual roundtrip lengths of about 70,900 km (44,100 mi) for birds nesting in Iceland.
Paradisea definition: of the genus Paradisaea (birds of paradise).
This piece is a re-imagining of some of the same material that was used for my Trumpet Concerto no.1 (2017) and the choral work Sumarsöngur / Summer Song Ríður Harpa í Tún (2019).
Duration approx. 4-5 minutes. Premiere pending.
Fantasy for strings no. 1 - Hjá lyngri móðu / By a calm stream (2020)
-for solo cello
Written for and developed with cellist Guðný Jónasdóttir. Based on a beloved choral melody of the same name by Jón Ásgeirsson.
Premiered at Hannesarholt, Reykjavík, 21st November 2021.
Random notes I found in the street (2020)
- a performance piece for 4 performers and 25 scraps of paper
Random notes is a playful performance piece that requires impressive rhythmic and dramatic synchronisation between the four performers. All the text is from real notes found in the street. Their content varies dramatically, one simply saying “I love my dad”, while another scolds coworkers for not cleaning the microwave after use. The original authors are unknown, The original authors are unknown, giving the audience a glimpse into the life of strangers. Inspired by Týndir Miðar (Lost Notes) Instagram account.
The piece is in English.
Commissioned by Personal Clutter performance group (https://www.personalclutter.com/) and written to go with the “New Discipline” performance style. Personal Clutter are an all-woman experimental music group specialising in movement-based performance. The composition was funded by the Marchus Trust UK.
Premiered at The Rose Hill, Brighton, 25th June 2021.
More information here: http://helgiingvarsson.com/news/2021/7/8/world-premiere-of-random-notes
And here: http://helgiingvarsson.com/vocalother
Insert Silence Here (2020)
- for 4 performers
Commissioned by Personal Clutter performance group. Funded by the Marchus Trust UK. Premiere to be confirmed. Text by Audre Lorde. The piece uses a mixture of video technology and live performance to deliver spoken and sung text in a highly rhythmical fashion. Premiere pending.
Flute fantasy no.1 with optional electronics (2020) - Jöklar / Glaciers
-for solo flute and electronics
Written for Helen Whitaker. Premiere to be confirmed.
Nú er á Himni og Jörð / Festum Nunc Celebre (2020)
- for mixed choir in 8 parts
Based on a 16th century Icelandic hymn. A commission for Kordía Chamber Choir, Reykjavík Iceland. Funded by the National Broadcaster of Iceland (RÚV) Composer’s Fund.
Premiered in Háteigskirkja, Reykjavík, 1.júní 2021.
Recording by Kordía Chamber Choir available on all major streaming platforms: https://youtu.be/71QBdC8zkGc?si=PFITwkosKnHD0gUZ
Heim Himnaveginn (2020)
- for mixed choir in 4 parts
Based on an 18th century Icelandic melody.
Premiered by Kordía Chamber Choir in Háteigskirkja-Church in 1.júní 2021.
Recording by Kordía Chamber Choir available on all major streaming platforms: https://open.spotify.com/track/5u6xFPB4KVgw8ZhBAtJxk6?si=ba635ba887c44967
Móðir / Mother (2013/2020)
- for mixed choir in 4 parts
Music set to the poem “Móðir”, a poem by Davíð Stefánsson frá Fagraskógi. Originally composed as a song in 2013, now revised for a choir in 2020.
Premiered in Háteigskirkja, Reykjavík, 13th June 2020.
Vorsól / Spring Sun (2013/2020)
- for 4 voices and piano
Music set to a poem by Margrét Jónsdóttir. Originally composed as a song in 2013, now revised for a choir in 2020.
Premiered 13th of June 2020 in Reykjavík, Iceland.
Recording on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Ynts9CrhEwI
Music and the Brain (2020)
- an electro-opera for soprano, tenor, electronics and flute
Libretto by Rebecca Hurst. Premiered in March 2020 by soprano Þórgunnur Anna Örnólfsdóttir, tenor Gunnar Guðbjörnsson, composer Helgi R. Ingvarsson and flautist Helen Whitaker at Salurinn Music Hall Kópavogur Iceland. Other performances Include at the Operadays festival (Óperudagar) in Reykjavík Iceland in October-November 2021.
Duration approx. 50 minutes.
Recordings and photographs here http://helgiingvarsson.com/operatic and here: http://helgiingvarsson.com/vocal
Penelopeia / Vefur / Loom (2012/2019)
- for flute, Bb/bass clarinet, violin, cello and bowed/prepared piano or prepared guitar.
Premiered at Guildhall school by the Chroma Ensemble in 2012.
Audio recording available on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/helgirafn/penelopeia-pierrot-ensemble
and video excerpt on youtube: https://youtu.be/6wn3Yf-PwOk
Revised in 2019 for Kammersveit Reykjavíkur (Reykjavík Chamber Ensemble) and performed by them at MyrkirMúsíkDagar (DarkMusicDays) new music festival in Reykjavík, Iceland in 2019.
“Helgi Rafn Ingvarsson’s new work Loom [also known as “Vefur” and “Penelopeia”] [...] made a striking impression [...] The orchestra [...] struck an interesting balance between sounding individual and acting as a group.”
— 5against4.com (2019)
ELEKTRA (2019)
- for flute, Bb clarinet, piano, violin and cello
Commissioned by the renowned and awarded Icelandic quintet Elektra Ensemble. Commission was funded by The Artist’s Salaries fund in Iceland. Premiered in May 2019 at Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavík Iceland. Recording released on Elektra Ensemble’s first album in May 2019.
Recording available on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0UNbarcEF1Fu0W0j9LZyTU?si=pFNi4ADlQgetxF0grUsV4g
A Glacier’s Elegy / Harmljóð Snæfellsjökuls (2019)
- for voice, electronics and flute
Glacier's Elegy is a thoughtful 40 minute long music-installation, performed several times in one sitting in a dark space. Glacier's Elegy is a farewell, the final farewell. The Glacier steps forward and addresses humankind for the last time and uses references from several works of Icelandic literature from the 12th century to present day to communicate her goodbye. The aim is not to preach, but to gently awaken in the audience an awareness of climate change. The work was premiered in the summer of 2019 by the composer and flautist Helen Whitaker and has been performed numerous times since then.
Audio and video excerpts: http://helgiingvarsson.com/news/2020/9/17/glaciers-elegy-in-north-iceland-videos
DRÁPA (2019)
- an electro-acoustic work for voice, flute, electronics, marimba and cello
“Drápa” is traditionally a long Old Norse poem with refrains. Gerður Kristný’s book Drápa was released in 2014 and is written in the style of the old Drápas of Iceland. Inspired by the horrific and traumatic stories of victims and their violent perpetrators, the work seeks to commemorate all women who have suffered abuse at the hands of those closest to them. It is brought to life through chilling live readings and an accompanying new musical work by Helgi Rafn Ingvarsson and performed by members of the British-Icelandic group ALDAorchestra. The work can be performed in Icelandic, English, Danish, Norwegian, and Finnish. New translations keep being added. The work was premiered in Wilton’s Music Hall, London UK in September 2019 and received a second performance in Mon island, Denmark in October same year. Performances in Iceland due to happen in 2020/21.
Short music sample: https://soundcloud.com/helgirafn/excerpt-from-drapa
Sumarsöngur - Ríður Harpa í tún / Summer Song (2019)
- for SSATBB / SATB
Poem by Jón Thoroddsen. “Harpa” is the first month of summer according to the old Icelandic calendar. “Harpa” is also a woman's name, so Thoroddsen creates a nice personification of Harpa in his poem, a young beautiful woman who rides into town, spreading flowers and good-will where-ever she goes. Premiered by Kordía Chamber Choir in the spring of 2019.
Live premiere recording on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Lg6Pg4wsst0
Rhythmic Robins / Taktfastir Svartþrestir (2018)
- for flute and piano
Developed with and premiered by flautist Helen Whitaker and pianist Matthildur A. Gísladóttir. Premiere at the University of Iceland in October 2018.
Recorded by Helen Whitaker flautist and Katherine Tinker pianist in January 2023. Recording available on all major streaming platforms: https://youtu.be/Xx2COuneHRo?si=-s2vWWi5yub8qV3z
Two flute variations (2018)
-for solo flute
Written for Helen Whitaker. Based on "Les Foiles d'Espagne" (1701) by Marin Marais.
Variation Ia: https://soundcloud.com/helgirafn/variation-ia
Variation IIIa: https://soundcloud.com/helgirafn/variation-iiia
Trumpet Concerto no.1 (2017)
-for solo trumpet and wind band
Later arranged for flute and piano and titled Burg Altpernstein. Pantað af Skólahljómsveit Kópavogs fyrir 50 ára afmælistónleika þeirra 5. mars 2017 í Eldborgarsal Hörpu, Reykjavík.
Styrkt af Tónskáldasjóði RÚV. Einleikari var Jóhann Nardeau.
4.1 Earths (2016)
- for chamber orchestra
Written for ALDAorchestra and premiered 6th December 2016 at the Old Market, Hove.
Sponsered by Arts Council England and Rannís Iceland.
Vetrarþoka / Winter Fog (2016)
- for soprano and piano
The work was commissioned by soprano Rannveig Káradóttir and pianist Birna Hallgrímsdóttir, and released on their album Krot in 2016. English language version is available. The poem is by Árni Kristjánsson. Translation by Snorri Kristjánsson.
The recording is available on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4DA4anUVxWVy1oVMiMbbpZ?si=WWWCVtF6Rk2eIrw_VmQ1AA
and on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/helgirafn/vetraroka-winter-fog-rannveig
FótboltaÓpera / Football Opera (2016)
- for 6 singers, choir and snare drum
A short 10 minute pop-up operetta, commissioned by Operadays Festival in Iceland. Funded by Kopavogur-town Arts Council. Premiered in late May 2016.
Évariste (2015)
- a chamber opera for 6 singers and quartet
Libretto by Lori Ann Stephens. Premiered at the Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, London, July 12th, 2015 and July 30th and 31st as part of the Tété-á-Tété opera festival. Commissioned by the Courtauld Gallery and the Guildhall school. Duration approx. 60 minutes.
Music samples, synopsis and photographs: http://evaristeopera.weebly.com/
Fossinn minn (2014)
- a song for soprano and piano
Premiered in may 2021 by Rannveig Káradóttir soprano and Mairi Harris Grewar piano. The world premiere of "Fossinn minn" ("My Waterfall" / "Mein Wasserfall") took place at Landstheater Coburg, Germany. It was programmed as part of the concert Isländische Lieder in the Klassik am Sonntag series. The poem is by the 19th century Icelandic poet Steingrímur Thorsteinsson.
Recording and score sample available here: http://helgiingvarsson.com/news/2021/5/16/fossinn-minn-world-premiere-in-germany
Humming (2014)
- for solo cello, with clarinet, piano and violin accompaniment.
Premiered 2014 at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. Later performed in 2016 in Kaldalón Hall, Harpa, Reykjavík, Iceland.
Live recording from the 2016 concert: https://open.spotify.com/track/6m2AOMva728YqI5bgAleiA?si=j1RlEmfYTdmBIgXS4rJH1w
Castle in Air / Loftkastali (2013)
- for solo cello
Written for cellist Guðný Jónasdóttir who premiered Loftkastali in London, UK in 2012. The work was then revised and re-premiered in 2013 by Clare O’Connell. Since then the work has been performed numerous times, for example in London, Cardiff, Dublin, Reykjavík and Beaconsfield by other renowned cellists such as Clare O’Connell in England and Wales and Martin Johnson in Ireland. The work received a 4 star review from the locally well-known Icelandic classical music critic Jónas Sen September 6 2015: "Helgi's music carries the composer's strong personal style." "…all sorts of clever nuances were introduced and the narrative was exciting and surprising." "Helgi had a lot on his mind, and he went his own way in delivering his message. The frame echoed the past, but the inspiration was completely unique." -Jónas Sen
Recording on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/helgirafn/loftkastali-castle-in-air-solo-cello-2013
“Helgi’s music carries the composer’s strong personal style. [...] All sorts of clever nuances were introduced and the narrative was exciting and surprising. [...] Helgi had a lot on his mind, and he went his own way in delivering his message. The frame echoed the past, but the inspiration was completely unique. I’m looking forward to see what Helgi will do in the future.”
— Jónas Sen, on Loftkastali / Castle in Air (2015)
Music for viola and piano (2012)
- for viola and piano
Recording available on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/helgirafn/become-a-duet-1
String Quartet no.1: Évariste (2013)
Premiered and commissioned by Bartholdy Quartet for the Chamber Music Festival at Salurinn Music Hall, Kopavogur, Iceland.
Live recording on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/helgirafn/variste-mutter-music-suite
Bráð: A design led operatic performance (2013)
- for soprano, chamber ensemble, choir and tape
Premiered at Central Saint Martins College of Arts Platform Theatre. Designer: Friðþjófur Þorsteinsson (Fiffi). Conductor: Helgi R. Ingvarsson. The work tells the story of a melting glacier coming to terms with its fate. Shortlisted and revised for OperaUpClose Flourish opera writing competition 21.09.14.
Music example: https://soundcloud.com/helgirafn/bra-opera-kingshead-2014-live-excerpt
The piece was originally written for chamber ensemble. Premiered at BBC’s Maida Vale studios, London by members of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and postgraduate students of the Guildhall school. A solo viola arrangement was commissioned by violist Stephen Upshaw for his “Spring Song Cycle” and premiered at the Parasol-Unit gallery, London, March 26th, 2013.
Breathe / Andaðu (2013)
- for cello and harp or piano
and
- for harp, cello, prepared electric guitar and dancers
Premiered at The Place dance theatre, London, then titled Your breath in my ear. Choreographer: Esther Siddique. Later revised for concert performance for cello and harp and re-titled Breathe / Andaðu. That versions was premiered by Concorde Ensemble at RHA Gallery, Dublin 27.04.14. Revised for the second time for cello and piano and premiered by Guðný Jónasdóttir and Matthildur Anna Gisladottir in Kaldalón Hall, Harpa, Reykjavík in September 2015. Performed by Guðný Jónasdóttir cello and Elisabeth Streichert piano in Eldborg, Harpa, Reykjavík in August 2022.
Recording excerpt available on home page.
Video of Your breath in my ear available on Youtube: https://youtu.be/RHscO3rJ380
Recording of Breath / Andaðu on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2ITLMfRzKkf1I1itSqEXww
Skuggablóm: Sönglagahefti / Shadowflowers: Song book (2012)
5 revised songs from the 2007 chamber opera. Published with a grant from STEF, The Performing Rights Society of Iceland.
Pan-dora: The Uncooperative Machine (2012)
- for solo bassoon and interactive electronics
Premiered at Guildhall school by Ruth Hardwick. A review was published in “Double Reed News”, autumn issue 2012 no.100, p.23.
Ground: A dialogue study (2012)
- for soprano, tenor and 2 clarinets
Premiered at Wigmore Hall, London. Text by Irum Fazal.
Recording available on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/helgirafn/a-mini-monodrama-for-soprano-tenor-and-two-bb-clarinets-wigmore-hall-2012
and here.
The Distance Between Us (2012)
- for flute, Bb/bass clarinet, violin, cello, marimba and vibraphone
Premiered at Dartington International Summer School by the Composer’s Ensemble.
Recording on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/helgirafn/distance-for-quintet-live-at-dartington-2012
Castle in Air / Loftkastali (2012)
- for flute, clarinet, piano, violin and cello
Premiered at MyrkirMúsíkdagar (DarkMusicDay new musics festival) in Harpa, concert hall, Iceland, by Elektra Ensemble.
Recording on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/3cDUD4zjIoo8TxYrH0b8EP?si=xe9TCJ3JRPKVAGnbu2z_XQ