Having moved to New York in 2001, Gjeilo found himself back in Norway for the holidays. While gazing out of an attic window over a wintry lake under the stars, he began reflecting on the aurora borealis . Though he had grown up in southern Norway and had only seen the lights a few times, he was struck by their dual nature: they were simultaneously mesmerizing and terrifying, a "terrible beauty" that historic cultures might have viewed with both awe and superstition. The Sacred Text Connection
If you are preparing this piece for an upcoming performance, let me know if you need help with , specific pronunciation guides for the Latin text, or programming ideas for your concert. Share public link
The piece ends in a state of quiet resolution, fading away into a peaceful E major chord, symbolizing the light receding into the night sky. Performance Notes for Conductors and Singers
The Ultimate Guide to Ola Gjeilo’s "Northern Lights": Context, Analysis, and PDF Sheet Music Resources ola gjeilo northern lights pdf
Provides interactive PDF downloads where you can transpose the piece or use their playback tool for rehearsal.
Ola Gjeilo himself supports digital distribution. In a 2019 interview with Choral Journal , he said:
The bass and tenor lines provide a warm, foundational core, while the sopranos must float effortlessly on top without sounding forced or overly operatic. Having moved to New York in 2001, Gjeilo
Exploring the Ethereal: Ola Gjeilo’s Northern Lights (PDF Sheet Music)
If you want a legal, high-quality digital file, here are the only official sources as of 2025:
"Northern Lights" by Ola Gjeilo is a masterpiece of modern choral music. Its blend of sacred, ancient text with modern, impressionistic harmonic language makes it an unforgettable experience for both performer and listener. When searching for the , please opt for authorized digital versions to respect the work and artistry involved. The Sacred Text Connection If you are preparing
These platforms offer a "Digital Download" option. Purchasing allows you to view and print an authorized interactive PDF instantly. You can easily select the exact number of copies needed for your choir.
Since the work is under copyright by , it is not legally available as a free PDF in the public domain. You can find digital scores and physical copies through: GIA Publications / Walton Music Ola Gjeilo's Official Website
Downloading pirated PDFs from unauthorized forums or document-sharing websites harms the choral ecosystem. Purchasing legal copies directly supports Ola Gjeilo, allowing him to continue composing new music. Furthermore, public performances or competition entries typically require proof of purchase for every singer in the ensemble to comply with copyright laws. Performance Tips for Choirs