The album 'Blóðhófnir/Bloodhoof' reevaluates an Old Norse mythic poem, 'Skírnismál', from the perspective of the giantess Gerður Gymisdóttir, redefining it from a love story to one of abduction and violence.
Interpretation
The performers on this album use a coalescence of folk and historic practice with modern elements and vocalizations to reflect the universality and continuing historical relevance of the poem.
Composition History
The music for 'Blóðhófnir/Bloodhoof' was commissioned by Umbra, an alternative music ensemble, and composed for an all-female cast playing period instruments and singing.
Composer Biography
Gerður Kristný, the Icelandic poet whose work inspired this album, received the Icelandic Literature Awards and was nominated for the Nordic Council Awards for her poetic cycle 'Bloodhoof'.
Cultural Impact
Gerður Kristný, the Icelandic poet whose work inspired this album, states that the story of Gerður Gymisdóttir is a clear case of human trafficking.
Performer Biography
UMBRA, the alternative music ensemble featured on this album, won Record of the Year at the 2018 Icelandic Music Awards for their second album, 'Solstitium'.
Notable Performances
'Blóðhófnir' was premiered by the Umbra ensemble in 2016, featuring moving visuals by Tinna Kristjánsdóttir projected on a large black velvet background.
