Nico Muhly

Tvísöngur

Tvísöngur is a composition for large ensemble, written by Nico Muhly, commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Tvísöngur is a specific type of Icelandic two-part singing that can be found in texts as well as oral traditions, Muhly writes. Some of the tradition seems, like much early music, to stem from an exercise in voice-leading, while some other examples are more social, impromptu, and secular. These arrangements attempt to frame the tradition through orchestration and wildly shifting contexts, lighting effects and textures. The piece was composed in 2012 and lasts around 5 Minutes.