Ingvar Lidholm in memoriam

Ingvar Lidholm (24 February 1921 - 17 October 2017)

The music by Ingvar Lidholm played an important role of my vocal education and of my understanding and knowledge of contemporary music! One of my first experiences of his significant and amazing tonal landscape was through his songs for voice and piano. Once entering the sound world by Ingvar, and when the colourful melody lines and close harmonies are all set in body and soul, the music stays forever.

I got aware of the way of his composing through the lyrics in his masterpiece “...a riveder le stelle” (1971-1973). The journey from darkness to eternal light in the lyrics of “The Divine Comedy” by Dante Alighieri, is so clearly painted in music by Ingvar!
I had the great honour singing the solo part of “...a riveder le stelle”, recorded for the album “Khoros” (2005). Ingvar Lidholm was part of the recording process, maestro Eric Ericson conducted and the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir performed on this historical album. This week I will sing the piece again with the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir during an a cappella concert at the Stockholm Concert Hall, conducted by Patrik Ringborg.

I will sing from my heart to Ingvar;
“...Appeared those things of beauty that heaven wears
Glimpsed through a rounded opening, faintly bright;
Thence issuing, we beheld again the stars.” (D. Alighieri)

Dear Ingvar, Rest in Peace
Hannah Holgersson
October 23, 2017