All music by Stanley Samuelsen. Recorded in Nora Studio, Denmark 2007/2008. Produced by Stanley Samuelsen
Stanley Samuelsen was born and raised on Faroe Islands and now lives in Denmark. He has performed in all Nordic and Baltic countries.
Stanley Samuelsen has received The Danish LO cultural award in 1992 and The Farose Mediahouse Award of Arts 2008 (Listavirðisløn Miðlahúsins)
www.myspace.com/stanleysamuelsen
*English summary of the poems:*
Túsund røddir kvøða */ A thousand voices singing* /1906 by/ /J.H.O. Djurhuus (1881-1948). The poem is also called “The chief’s widow is singing”/. According to the legend, Sigmundur Brestisson (961-1005) introduced Christianity to the Faroe Islands in 999 by a decree of the Norwegian king. Sigmundur was hunted by Faroese peasants and fled by swimming to Suðuroy. Sigmundur was killed as he lay exhausted on the shore. Revenge is sworn!
Fýkur stormur */ Raging storm */1914/* */by H. A. Djurhuus (1883-1951). /Storm and hurricane rage/ /over the ocean. Sin is reigning in the world and many people are in danger. Lord, see how your children are suffering. Bring them relief and teach the weak ones to pray. For those who give up the fight, bring them strength to suffer.
Høgur himin */ Blue sky */1920/* */Rikard Long// (1889-1977). /The sky is blue and the sea is calm. The mountains seem blue from a distance. Life is beautiful in the summertime. Put your arms around my neck and love me while summer is here. * *
Gekk í mánalýsi */ In the moonlight */1916 by/ /J.H.O. Djurhuus (1881-1948)./ As I walked in the moonlight by the sea, elves on white horses appeared. Bells were ringing and the night was as quiet as never before. A mischievous smile from their queen took away my peace of mind – Was she my new love, or was she the herald of death?
Spegilsmynd* / Reflection */2004/* */Valdemar á Løgmansbø (1952)./ In the dark of the night thousands of stars will shine and glitter from above. It is amazing that, in the middle of the night, I can see a world reflected in a pond.
Tey fara framvið */ They are passing by* /1907 by J.H.O. Djurhuus (1881-1948). /They are passing by, hopeful and happy in the summertime. Blessed with love. After nights of sadness they are passing by like leaves blowing in the wind, like mothers grieving when their most precious ones, the children, die too young.**
Í hvørjum nærkast mín burturferð */ Time for leaving is approaching */1837 St//. St. Blicher (1782-1848)/. /From Danish “Sig nærmer tiden” into Faroese by M. S. Viðstein/. Time for leaving is approaching, I hear the voice of winter. I don’t belong here anymore but I am stuck. Indebted prisoner I am. Perhaps for the very last time you may hear my sad voice singing a goodbye.
Ískøld eygu */ Ice cold eyes */2005 by Stanley Samuelsen (1951). /You gave me winter although it was spring. Forever I remember your ice cold eyes and empty laughter. For too long I had to hide my tears, but far away from you, I found life and joy again. May all your evil deeds never be retaliated.
Tíðin rennur */ **Time passes*/ 1892 by/ */Fríðrikur Petersen (1853-1917)./** *Time passes like a flowing river. We are all drifting without oars towards the waterfall. Who has the will and power to lead my little boat safely to the heavenly shore. Onward, in the name of the Lord, I am sailing my little boat. The heavenly shore is in front of my bow.
Vetrarmorgun* / Winter Morning* /2006 Valdemar á Løgmansbø (1952). /On a grey winter’s morning, the muddy water flows quietly. The birds are singing sadly as the mountains turn white. The leaves are falling and a cold northern wind is blowing. Underneath the snow beautiful flowers are graciously sprouting, telling us summertime will come eventually.**
