Rímur is touted as an ancient Icelandic chant form originating during the age of
Vikings. I think that perhaps it is better considered similar to the a cappella ballad singing
popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. While certainly pre-dating that
American music, rímur is nevertheless more about telling stories in one voice than
conveying simple spiritual concepts.
This rímur form is that of an epic song with its basis in narrative poetry. A rímur
can address subjects ranging from tales of ancient warriors, life’s lesson, and songs to the seas to
horse purchases. A rímur cycle could last hours, but on this recording are presented in
discrete "packets" from famous rímur chants as performed by the greatest living
practitioner of rímur, vocalist Steindór Andersen, an Icelandic sailor bent on
preserving this art form. The songs are monophonic and very expressive while staying with certain
parameters. The language is not a pretty one, but its use in these pieces is still very effective.
For more information, see Naxos World
Records.
~ C. Michael Bailey
