Gjeilo writes with a deep understanding of the human voice, but he is not afraid to push boundaries.
It was a stroke of genius. The text is traditionally associated with the Virgin Mary, fitting the Christmas narrative, but the language is deeply sensual and mysterious. Gjeilo set this Latin text not with rigid rhythm, but with a fluid, rolling pulse. He specifically noted that the piece should feel like it is "hovering," much like the lights it depicts.
Northern Lights is notoriously difficult. It requires:
Gjeilo has often described the inspiration for Northern Lights (or Nordlys ) as an attempt to capture a specific feeling: the beauty of the aurora borealis, but also the sense of wonder and transcendence associated with the Christmas season.