The middle section of the piece is marked by a rhythmic, driving energy. Gjeilo refers to this as the "Viking" aspect of the composition. It contrasts the floating, syrupy textures of the opening and closing. When viewing the PDF, conductors will notice distinct rhythmic patterns here that require absolute precision.
Choirs often realize two weeks before a concert that they need the piece. A physical shipment from a publisher like Walton Music (owned by GIA) takes 5–10 business days. A digital PDF offers instant download.
Do not settle for fuzzy scans from Reddit. Do not risk your choir’s reputation with photocopies. The magic of Northern Lights deserves the clarity of an official, pristine PDF.
Final thought: The aurora borealis is a natural wonder because it is fleeting and authentic. Your sheet music should be the same—authentic, legal, and worthy of the music inside.
Have you performed Ola Gjeilo’s Northern Lights? Share your experience with the PDF or the live performance in the comments below. And remember: always respect the copyright.
Northern Lights is one of Ola Gjeilo's most celebrated choral works, written in 2008 for the Phoenix Chorale. Inspired by the "terrible beauty" of the aurora borealis during a winter in Oslo, the piece blends a modern harmonic language with ancient Latin text. Musical Overview Primarily written for SATB a cappella , but also available in arrangements. Approximately
Modern choral with lush, expansive harmonies, often employing octave doubling
to reinforce the melody and a "slow motion undulation" between dissonance and consonance. Difficulty: Medium (M) ola gjeilo northern lights pdf
difficulty, suitable for high school, college, and professional ensembles. GIA Publications Text and Meaning The piece uses the Latin text Pulchra es, amica mea Song of Solomon (Song of Songs 6:4). Northern Lights (TTBB) - GIA Publications
Status: Available. Minimum order quantity: 16. Vocal Forces: TTBB. Accompaniment: Reduction. Text Source: Song of Solomon. Series: GIA Publications
Northern Lights: Choral Work by Gjeilo | PDF | Choir - Scribd
Ola Gjeilo Northern Lights (2008) is a hallmark of contemporary choral repertoire, written during a Christmas stay in Oslo where the composer was transfixed by the "terrible beauty" of the aurora borealis over a wintry lake. This a cappella work is primarily set for SATB chorus , though versions for are also widely performed. GIA Publications Musical & Technical Features Compositional Style:
The piece blends Gjeilo’s classical roots with contemporary, cinematic, and improvisational influences. Text Source: The lyrics are in , drawn from the Song of Solomon Pulchra es amica mea
), which describes a beauty that is both captivating and intimidating. Atmospheric Techniques: Textural Layering:
Intertwining vocal lines create a "shimmering soundscape" that mimics the movement of the aurora. Dynamic Contrasts: The middle section of the piece is marked
Sudden crescendos and soft, sustained tones represent the unpredictable intensity of the lights. Harmonic Language: The use of modal tonalities
and minimalistic repetition adds an ethereal, hypnotic quality. Performance Details: Approximately 4 minutes and 35 seconds. Difficulty: Rated as Medium (M). 12 pages in standard printed format. GIA Publications Accessing the Score (PDFs & Sheet Music)
You can find official scores and previews through the following authorized retailers and platforms: Northern Lights (SATB) - GIA Publications
Q: Is the "Ola Gjeilo Northern Lights PDF" the same as "Unicornis Captivatur"? A: Yes. The piece was originally titled Unicornis Captivatur. The publisher added the subtitle "Northern Lights" because choirs kept requesting "that pretty aurora song."
Q: Can I use a PDF if my choir has 40 people? A: You must purchase 40 digital copies (or a site license). Buying 1 PDF and printing 40 copies is piracy. Each singer deserves a legal copy.
Q: Does the PDF include the piano part? A: The standard choral PDF includes a piano reduction for rehearsal only. The performance is a cappella (no piano). Do not use piano in concert.
Q: What about the arrangement for band or strings? A: Ola Gjeilo wrote a version with string quartet and piano. That is a separate PDF (Walton Music #WW1484). Do not confuse the two. Have you performed Ola Gjeilo’s Northern Lights
In the landscape of contemporary choral music, few pieces have captured the imagination of conductors and audiences quite like Ola Gjeilo’s Northern Lights. Since its publication in 2008, it has become a staple for high school, university, and professional choirs worldwide. Its lush harmonies, ethereal textures, and evocative imagery create a sonic landscape that feels both ancient and distinctly modern.
For conductors and singers looking to access the sheet music, the search term "Ola Gjeilo Northern Lights PDF" is a common starting point. However, navigating the world of digital scores, licensing, and performance rights is crucial for ensuring this beautiful work is performed legally and effectively.
This guide explores the composition itself, breaks down the technical difficulties of the piece, and provides essential information on how to legally obtain and utilize the PDF score.
For years, the piece circulated through word-of-mouth among collegiate and professional choirs. But in the 2010s, a recording by the world-renowned choir Voces8 catapulted the piece into the stratosphere.
Their recording showcased the piece’s ability to blend classical discipline with cinematic, film-score emotionalism. Suddenly, every choir wanted to program it. It became a staple of the "YouTube Choir" era, where the visual of a choir swaying in the dark, illuminated by blue lights, became the standard performance aesthetic for the work.
Ola Gjeilo (pronounced Yay-lo) is a Norwegian composer and pianist known for blending classical choral traditions with jazz and cinematic influences. Northern Lights is perhaps his most defining work.
Gjeilo composed the piece in 2007 while spending the summer in Oslo, Norway. In his program notes, he describes the inspiration vividly:
"I have always been fascinated by the Aurora Borealis... the way this multicolored curtain of light hovers in the sky, and how it seems to be in constant motion."
This imagery is vital for performers. The music is not static; it is meant to sound like a shifting, shimmering light. Gjeilo chose a text from the Song of Solomon (Pulchra es, amica mea), specifically selected for its "stunning imagery." The combination of the biblical text’s romantic devotion and the cosmic visual of the Aurora creates a dual layer of meaning: earthly love reflected in heavenly beauty.