Song to the North Wind

Etude-fantasy for Solo Piano

10”

Program note:

"Song to the North Wind" is a musical journey through the captivating landscapes and cultural tapestry of the northern reaches of Sweden. This piece is a musical exploration of the unique beauty and diversity of the north, attempting to capture some part of not only the natural wonders but also the deep-rooted traditions that make this region so enchanting.

What follows below details what I had in mind writing the piece, but I encourage anyone playing the piece to infuse it with their own interpretation of the scenes and images.  In the opening section, the music evokes the tranquility of a snow-covered landscape, where the stillness is broken only by the whisper of the wind. Above the snow, the sky bursts with color in wisps of green; the northern lights are beginning to show. As the section progresses, the dynamics and technical demands increase, mirroring the rising energy of the North Wind. The main technical challenge of this section lies firstly in producing the continuous sound of the tremolos while voicing melodic notes with the weak fingers of the same hand, and secondly in navigating the hand-crossings and large leaps required in the left hand for a Liszt-esque three-hand-effect. This section pays homage to the Northern Lights; shimmering tremolos and shifting harmonies depict the ethereal dance of colors across the Arctic sky; players are encouraged to infuse the music with the same sense of wonder and awe that one experiences when witnessing the aurora borealis for the first time.The central part of the etude is inspired by Joiking, a unique form of vocal expression of the Sami people. While a transcription to the piano necessitates a removal of its most important quality (the voice), the player should attempt to bring out the expressive and emotional qualities of the Joiking tradition with this section. While true notation of Joik is impossible, I have used rhythmic movements and melodic motifs that mimic the storytelling nature of this art to the best of my ability.  

Oskar Österling,

2023