Hartmann - Hakon Jarl, Symphonic Poem, op. 40 (1887)
3,928 views · Published 19 July 2012 · 20:53 · Indexed 14 October 2026
Channel: DGatsby · 2012 · Music
Written by Danish composer Emil Hartmann in 1887, another symphonic poem about the Norwegian king Hakon Jarl. Check out the version by Bedrich Smetana here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf04zJAvpnk Orchestra: Copenhagen Philharmoinic Orchestra Conductor: Bo Holten From the linear notes: The final text, which closely follows the musical development, reads as follows: "Sings and wonders announce that the age of heathendom is over in Norway. The heathen peasants gather to fight their ancient faith, led by the powerful ruler Hakon Jarl. At the coast strange singing is heard; King Olaf Trygvason lands with monks and Christian men, leads his army against Hakon. As a sacrifice to the gods, Hakon murders his son, and musters all his strength in battle, but wherever the banner of the cross is seen and Olaf rallies, victory is his; the heathen army is split asunder, Hakon must flee. With his freedman Thormod Karker he hides in a dark mountain cave lit only by a smoldering pine chip. At midnight Hakon Jarl has fallen asleep; Karker watches him, is horrified by the sight of his terribly distorted face in sleep and kills him. outside the lur-horn rings out. King Olaf enters with his men, the halberds are fun through Karker's body, and King Olaf sees Hakon swimming in blood at his feel. All over Norway the banner of the cross waves. In vain the peasants, forced back to the mountains still battle with desperate courage. Faith in the old gods fades, the remnants of antiquity are obliterated - only a single mound and a single mighty stone still testify to what happened.
