While many sites offer perusal or unofficial copies, you can access the "proper" authorized versions through these channels: Northern Lights (TTBB) - GIA Publications
"Northern Lights" is written for unaccompanied mixed choir (). It showcases Gjeilo’s signature style, which fuses classical choral traditions with modern symphonic film scoring techniques.
Ola Gjeilo is a renowned composer of choral music, and his works are widely performed and admired. If you're looking for information on his music, I can suggest some general information and provide a brief overview.
You are beautiful, my love, sweet and comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army set in array. Turn away your eyes from me, for they have made me flee away. ola gjeilo northern lights pdf
The text explores a profound paradox: a beauty that is simultaneously comforting ( suavis et decora ) and terrifying or overwhelming ( terribilis ). Gjeilo felt this duality perfectly matched the experience of looking at the northern lights—an experience that is peaceful yet staggeringly powerful. Musical Structure and Harmonic Language
It was a stroke of genius. The text is traditionally associated with the Virgin Mary, fitting the Christmas narrative, but the language is deeply sensual and mysterious. Gjeilo set this Latin text not with rigid rhythm, but with a fluid, rolling pulse. He specifically noted that the piece should feel like it is "hovering," much like the lights it depicts.
Do you need assistance finding (midi/audio) for individual voice parts? Share public link While many sites offer perusal or unofficial copies,
The piece is primarily centered around the key of G minor/Aeolian mode, providing a somber, reflective, and ancient feel.
As the original publisher, Walton Music offers legal digital downloads (PDFs) for SATB, SSAA, and TTBB versions.
Pulchra es, amica mea, suavis et decora sicut Jerusalem, terribilis ut castrorum acies ordinata. If you're looking for information on his music,
"Northern Lights" by Ola Gjeilo is a masterpiece of modern choral music. Its blend of sacred, ancient text with modern, impressionistic harmonic language makes it an unforgettable experience for both performer and listener. When searching for the , please opt for authorized digital versions to respect the work and artistry involved.
While the title evokes a natural phenomenon, the text of "Northern Lights" is entirely sacred and historical. Gjeilo set the piece to a Latin text from the . The Latin Text and English Translation Latin:
[Beginning: Homophonic, Static] → [Middle: Dynamic Polyphony / Crescendo] → [End: Quiet, Resolved Fading] Key Musical Characteristics
When searching for "Ola Gjeilo Northern Lights
Gjeilo has often described the inspiration for Northern Lights (or Nordlys ) as an attempt to capture a specific feeling: the beauty of the aurora borealis, but also the sense of wonder and transcendence associated with the Christmas season.