ABSTRACT
Nature is a recurrent theme in Nordic music. In this chapter, we introduce four ways in which pedal points and allied static textures evoke a sense of nature, environment, space and place. These ideas are exemplified through case studies of Finnish and Icelandic contemporary music, including analyses of Lapponia (1975) by Erik Bergman, Orion (2002) by Kaija Saariaho and Dreaming (2010) by Anna Thorvaldsdottir. Our methodology draws on cultural music analysis and ecomusicology in order to discuss how Nordic music can shape our relationship to the environment today.
