Sveinsson, Atli Heimer
Sveinsson, Atli Heimer
Sveinsson, Atli Heimer, Icelandic composer, teacher, conductor, and administrator; b. Reykjavik, Sept. 21, 1938. After studying piano at the Reykjavik Coll. of Music, he took courses in theory and composition with Raphael, Petzold, and Zimmermann at the Cologne Staatliche Hochschule für Musik (1959-62). He also attended composition courses in Darmstadt and Cologne under Stockhausen and Pousseur, and took a course in electronic music in Bilthoven under Koenig. Upon returning to Reykjavik, he played a prominent role in Iceland’s musical life. In addition to composing prolifically, he was active as a radio producer, conductor, and organizer. He also taught at the Coll. of Music. From 1972 to 1983 he served as chairman of the Soc. of Icelandic Composers. In 1976 he won the Nordic Council Music Prize for his Flute Concerto. In his music, he has developed a style along Romantic-Expressionistic lines.
Works
dramatic: The Silken Drum, opera (Reykjavik, lune 6, 1982); Vikivaki, television opera (1989-90); Tungl-skinseyjan, chamber opera (1995); Hertervig, opera (1997). ORCH.: Hlymi for Chamber Orch. (1963); Tautophony (1967); Tengsl (1970); Flower Shower (1973); Hreinn: Gallery sum 1974 (1974); Flute Concerto (1975); Bassoon Concerto, Trobar Clus (1980); Trombone Concerto, Jubilus (1984); Recitation for Piano and Chamber Orch. (1984); Dreamboat, concerto for Violin, Harpsichord, and Orch. (1987); A Gledistundu for Chamber Orch. (1989); Röckerauschen, Bruit des Robes for Chamber Orch. (1993); Concerto for Saxophone Quartet and Orch. (1994); Eldtecken, piano concerto (1995); Erjur, cello concerto (1997); íslenskt Rapp V (1998). CHAMBER: Xanties for Flute and Piano (1975); Septet (1976); Plutôt Blanche Qu’azurée for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano (1976); 21 Sounding Minutes for Flute (1980); Precious Dances for Guitar, Flute, Clarinet, Cello, and Piano (1983); Bicentennial for String Quartet (1984); Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano (1985); Quartet for 4 Flutes (1991); Tanzfiguren for Accordion and Wind Quintet (1992); Grand Duo Concertante III for Flute, Cello, and Tape (1995); Fantastic Rondos III for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Cello, Piano, and Soprano (1996); piano pieces; organ music.VOCAL: Aria for Soprano and 5 Instruments (1977); Autumn Pictures for Chorus, 2 Violins, Cello, and Accordion (1982); The Night on Our Shoulders for Soprano, Alto, Women’s Chorus, and Orch. (1986); Opplaring for Soprano and Winds (1991); many choral pieces and songs.OTHER: Ode to the Stone for Piano, Reciter, and Projector (1983).
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire