Icelandic National Anthem for String Orchestra

The anthem was first performed at a commemorative service in Reykjavík Cathedral on Sunday, August 2, 1874, in the presence of King Christian IX of Denmark, who was visiting Iceland for the millennium celebrations, the first ruling monarch to set foot in the country. He presented Iceland with a constitution which entailed substantial improvements to its legal status. This was one of the most noteworthy milestones in Iceland's process towards reclaiming the independence it had lost in 1262-64 and preceded the Home Rule Government in 1904, sovereignty in 1918 and, finally, the establishment of the republic of Iceland on June 17, 1944.