Valhol Flex Score

Joseph Dangerfield
Valhol (2020)
arranged for flex ensemble by Kaitlin Bove
Copyright 2020 by Joseph Dangerfield
www.josephdangerfield.com

Program Note
Valhol was composed for the Woodrow Wilson High School Concert Band, for my son, who is taken
with our family history and the mythology of our ancestors. In order to enter eternal life in the
Viking Heaven, called Valhol (Valhalla), one must die honorably in battle. Each warrior said a
prayer before the battle (which follows), with the hope that if they died a valiant death, they
would join their ancestors in eternity. The work tries to capture the serenity and focus that each
warrior must embrace prior to battle, the fervor experienced while in battle, and the glorious
death that ensues.
Performance Notes
Square note-heads indicate the musician is to
sing, as directed in the score. Sung notes are at
concert pitch.
Indicates that the musician should speak the part, in accordance with the
dynamic marking. i.e. a piano marking would be closer to a whisper, while
a fortissimo marking indicates a shout. Words are spelled phonetically.
Tam-tam should be rubbed with a wet rubber mallet, or other such item in
order to produce harmonics. It is best to rub around the bottom rim of the
tam-tam, release, then rub in the opposite direction. Let resonate.
The Viking War Horn (or substitute instrument) must be blown loud directly into the strings of
the piano.
The octave of the sung pitches can be in an octave comfortable for the singer, which is not
necessarily the notated octave.
Cover art by Ginger Danz. Used with permission of the artist. All Rights Reserved.
www.josephdangerfield.com

English Translation
There do I see my father.
There do I see my mother.
There do I see my brothers and my
sisters.
There do I see the line of my people
back to the beginning.
They do call me;
They bid me take my place among
them in the Halls of Valhol.
Where the brave may live forever.
Viking Battle Prayer
Der ser jeg faren min.
Der ser jeg min mor.
Der ser jeg mine brødre og søstre.
Der ser jeg folkets linje tilbake til
begynnelsen.
De ringer til meg;
De ber meg ta mitt stad bland dem i
salene i Valhol.
Hvor de modige kan leve for altid.
Phonetic Pronunciation
der say yeah FArin meen
der say yeah meen MOra
der say yeah meena BROdra o SUstra
der say yeah FOLkets LINya til BAKuh
til BEEnuhSN
dee RINGyuh til MY
dee ber MY ta mitt STED BLANdem ee
SAleenay ValHOL.
vor dee MOOdyay kahn LEvuh for
ALtay
www.josephdangerfield.com