Programme Note ABENDLIED & MÄRCHENFARBEN for accordion ensemble incl. choir and percussion ad lib. (1980).MÄRCHENFARBEN is a virtuoso piece for accordion ensemble based on Nørgård´s ?infinity series? and a special multi-layered rhythm also heard in the composers well known choral work ?Wie ein Kind? (second movement) from the same year 1980.This rhythm with the onomatopoeic nickname ´pischop´ has a swaying and breathing quality which seems well suited for an ensemble of accordions. Two percussion parts to be added ad lib. - are composed into the tone music of the accordions in ?Märchenfarben?.The piece was composed in 1980 for the very talented Det DanskeHarmonika Ensemble and its leader Jeanette Dyremose an ensemble that enlarged the instrumental piece with an introduction (as suggested by the composer) singing and playing Nørgård´s choral song ?Abendlied? (1980) to a sunset idyllic poem by Adolf Wölfli (1864-1930) including here the word ´märchenfarben´ the title of the shimmering and colorful instrumental music to follow with Märchenfarben. The duration of Abendlied & Märchenfarben is around 15-17 minutes (5-6´ + 10-11´).Per Nørgård

This title is taken from the compilation French Songs And Choruses For Mixed-Voice Choir (NOV165198) This song clearly not originally intended for the classical concert stage is a pretty piece in an old-fashioned popular music style. It has the quality of a popular valse-musette the kind of waltz-song that might be heard in a Paris restaurant played by a group with an accordion. Accordingly it usually is missing from official lists of Poulenc's music. It is not included in either Poulenc's discussion of his songs Journal de mes mélodies or the book on interpreting them by his singing partner Pierre Bernac 'FrancisPoulenc: The Man and His Music'. Arranged for SATB by Stuart Nicholson.

Recorded on Counterpoint's latest album Shalom this arrangement of the Israeli folksong is exuberant and quite moving. Optional instrumental pak includes parts for: flute accordion percussion (bongo) guitar andcontrabass.Available separately: SATB and ePak. Performance Time: Approx. 2:35.

Originally composed for solo voice Dona nobis pacem combines the vocal style of the yoik tradition (a Sámi form of song) and a more classical vocal style. This arrangement for mixed voices develops this vocal palette further (as does the SSAA version also available).The piano part is supplied alongside chord symbols which allow a freer approach to accompaniment and this may also be supplemented by the optional accordion/wind instrument and percussion parts. All the lyrics except the words ?Dona nobis pacem? are so called yoik syllables with no linguistic meaning (for which a pronunciation guide is included) as used within the Sami yoik tradition.Fjellheim?s distinctive and approachable musical language which many will recognise from the use of his music at the opening of Disney?s Frozen will appeal to both singers and audience.