Gunnar Idenstam
Metal Angel Suite III
Duration: 27'
Solos:
organ
Metal Angel Suite III
Sample pages
Video
Work introduction
Metal Angel is a collection of 18 pieces and one Symphonic Sonata for large modern symphonic organ, each piece associated with a different angel in a gothic fantasy landscape. The musical language of these pieces is virtuosic and influenced both by the French cathedral tradition of the mid 20th century and symphonic rock. It reflects our time - a time in which we have to deal with conflict, war and climate crisis. Maybe there are angels all around us, living in a parallel world, who try to communicate with us and guide us if we listen? Maybe the angels are the link between God/the Creator and humans? There are both shining white angels, and fallen black angels. In these times it is more important than ever that we listen to the whispering of the good and light angels and not to the destructive dark ones.
The final pieces describe the Archangel, a Black Angel and a Golden Angel– and asks which of them will triumph. I am optimistic, so the piece ends with a jubilant hymn in fortissimo, in which a choir of angels praises our beautiful world and life. The movements can be combined in any order.
What is necessary to perform this work?
A large modern symphonic organ with Chamade trumpets and lots of pistons.