Icelandic music is a rich blend of ancient and modern cultures and one of Iceland’s most powerful instruments for cultural exchange. From haunting melodies to ethereal soundscapes, Iceland has everything a music lover wants. Icelandic musicians have incorporated the vastness of landscapes into their music, making it even more relatable for those who visit the place.
Tourists who hop on day tours from Reykjavik may get a chance to indulge in the richness of Icelandic music. This blog will explore the global impact of Icelandic music, uncover how it transcends borders, weave connections between diverse cultures, and celebrate the universal language of music.
Historical Background of Icelandic Music
Traditional Folk Music
Iceland folk music is based on rímur, epic vocal poems from Icelandic medieval culture. These songs tell a story and are characterized by complex meters and alliteration, often accompanied by simple melodies. Þulur, another important traditional chant, encompasses rhythmic recitations of genealogies or mythological lists. Vikivaki is an Indo-European form of Icelandic dance, often accompanied by kvæðaskapur, a narrative song. These dances and songs were relegated to various communal gatherings and festivals.
19th and Early 20th Century
The 19th century became the period of national romanticism, and Icelandic composers and musicians began to write pieces based on their culture. This period focused on proving and promoting the Icelandic identity through music. Hence, traditional Icelandic music gradually adopted some aspects of European classical music. Composers like Jón Leifs effectively combined Icelandic themes and classical forms to create works that reflect Icelandic folklore and contemporary classical music trends.
Mid-20th Century to Present
The mid-20th century introduced rock and pop music. In the last two decades of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century, Icelandic music started to be recognized worldwide. This period is marked by the fusion of traditional elements with contemporary electronic, indie, and experimental styles.
Role of Music in Icelandic Culture and Society
Music has contributed significantly to conserving Iceland’s culture and history through customary folk music and contemporary Icelandic compositions. Icelanders take pride in their music, which is part of their culture, identity, and strength. Programs aired during National festivities, such as National Day celebrations and cultural fests, feature Icelandic music prominently. Music is one of the core components of their rural and urban gatherings. Concerts, traditional dances, and music festivals unite people. Schools and local music programs ensure that music remains a vibrant part of everyday life.
Unique Characteristics of Icelandic Music
Traditional Icelandic Instruments and Styles
Rímur: These epic narrative poems must be recited or sung in a particular rhythm and with alliteration. Rímur is a kind of narrative poetry in medieval Iceland, and it is often used to retell heroic sagas or historical or mythological stories. The monotonous chanting highlights the tale’s beat and rhyme rather than melodic variation.
Þulur: This type of metrical chanting narrates a series of names, genealogies, mythological figures, or, in general, any comprehensive list. What distinguishes Þulur is that they are not as elaborate as rímur and are recited repetitively and almost as if in a trance-like state.
Langspil: Langspil is a traditional string instrument played with a bow or plucked. It contains one to three strings and produces a haunting, droning sound.
Fiðla: The fiðla is another bowed string instrument that produces a sad, low-pitched tone. It often accompanies rímur and other folk songs.
Þjóðlegur Hljóðfæri: This term represents several traditional Icelandic instruments, such as flutes or percussion instruments, made from natural components, including bone or wood.
Influence of Iceland’s Natural Landscape on Its Music
One can easily see that Icelandic music is strongly connected to the country’s geography – volcanoes, glaciers, fjords, and waterfalls. The natural environment’s stark contrasts and raw beauty inspire composers and musicians to create music that reflects these elements. The inconsistency of daylight in summer and in winter also affects Icelandic music.
It is worth noting that music produced during the long and black winters will have a different tonality than the melodies created by artists in the summer when the sun is dancing circles around the Arctic cross in the sky. Icelandic musicians have also used natural sounds, including wind, water, and birds singing, in their compositions, which add to the listeners’ sense of the environment. Icelandic music reflects minimalism, which represents the open landscapes. Musicians used slow tempos and sparse arrangements to evoke a sense of space and calmness.
Modern Icelandic Music Genres and Notable Artists
Electronic and Experimental Music
Björk: There is no way that one can talk about Icelandic music, especially regarding artists, without mentioning Björk Guðmundsdóttir or just Björk, the woman who started it all by fusing electronic music with avant-garde and pop. Some of her work’s characteristics include eclecticism, innovative production, and the usage of natural sounds.
Múm: This band mixes electronic and folk music. Their music blends ordinary tunes with whimsical melodies, intricate rhythms, and unconventional instruments.
Post-rock and Ambient Music
Sigur Rós: This band is quite famous for their post-rock or ambient music, often described as ethereal. The songs can be characterized by rich strings, oppressive voices, and a great emphasis on Icelands’ nature.
Jónsi: The lead singer of Sigur Rós, Jónsi has also worked alone and made experimental, nature- and fairy tale-based music.
Indie and Folk Music
Of Monsters and Men: This indie folk band rose to the world stage with their music, recognized for their anthemic songs. Hymns commonly programmed by artists include narrative lyrics, acoustics, and electric guitars.
Ásgeir: An indie folk singer-songwriter famous for his deep and personal lyrics and melodies. Ásgeir has taken elements from modern folk with hints of electro-pop.
Contemporary Classical Music
Anna Thorvaldsdottir: A modern composer inspired by Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes and natural phenomena. She frequently includes pieces for orchestra and chamber that underline elements of Iceland’s geography.
Daníel Bjarnason: Another successful composer of the contemporary world, Bjarnason’s music encompasses works for orchestra, chamber, and solo with a strong place for embracing the elements of modernism and experimenting based on the classical forms.
Impact on Cultural Exchange
Prominent Iceland musicians, including Sigur RosBjork, have revolutionized Icelandic culture through their unique music and performance. Events like the Iceland Airwaves music festival may interest the global audience, for they signify Iceland and its enriched music, culture, and heritage.
Many songs relate to Icelandic tales, myths, and legends, as well as its scenery, helping listeners get acquainted with Icelandic life. The instruments and musical styles are combined with contemporary musical forms and pique the interest of people across the globe. Many Icelandic artists cooperate to establish a presence in the world’s major music scene and work with musicians and groups from other countries, effectively merging different traditions. Such partnerships are useful in cultural exchange as they foster understanding and respect for other people’s cultural backgrounds by appreciating their music.
