Alle karfolk har så my’ å si

Jeg lagde mig så sildig

Hør det kaller, hør det lokker

These are arrangements of Norwegian songs the composer found in the Sons of Norway Song Book. The Sons of Norway is a well-known and venerable organization, first formed in Minneapolis in 1895 for “males of Norwegian descent between the ages of 20 and 50 who were capable of giving proof of being morally upright, in good health, and capable of supporting a family.” Chapters were formed coast to coast, and with membership now open to anyone with an interest in Norwegian culture, there are currently almost 65,000 members. In 1926 the society, finding a need for music suitable for community singing, published a collection of Norwegian songs entitled Sønner af Norge Sangbog. In 1946, a second edition was published that included English translations, and the 1967 edition added a few arrangements for mixed chorus. The three songs we are performing today were arranged for this concert by our music director, Monte Mason. The first is entitled Akkedas millom mand å kjærring, “a domestic argument.” It consists of many alternating verses sung by the women and the men in dialect, arguing over who is better, menfolk or womenfolk, tossing insults in both directions. The song ends with the assurance that the two will live together in peace tonight.

Jeg lagde mig så sildig is a lament for a dead lover. The tune is a bit reminiscent of Solveig’s Song from Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite, and considering Grieg’s frequent use of folk music, perhaps they are based on the same, older tune.

Hør det kaller, hør det lokker, in dramatic contrast, is a simple celebration of the beginning of summer. The Norwegian text is by clergyman/poet P.A. Jensen (1812–1867).