álvan

for mixed ensemble

about

In the folklore of the Faroe Islands, álvar (UL-vahr, “elves”) are magical beings that live in hills and mounds. They look like humans and are neither good nor evil but exist on a broad and mutable moral spectrum — much like their human counterparts. However, legends about álvar often describe them as seducing and spellbinding humans with their otherworldly beauty and cursing or poisoning those who manage to break free from their charms and leave their lands.

The title of this piece, álvan (UL-vahn), means “the elf maiden” in Faroese.

composition year

2024

duration

7′ 30″

Instrumentation

Flute

Clarinet in B-flat (doubl. Bass Clarinet)

Bassoon

Piano

Crotales

Marimba

Violin 1

Violin 2

Viola

Violoncello

Contrabass