Work
Fanitullen (the devil's song)
for violin
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About
Fanitullen was written for the 2007 Michael Hill International Violin Competition. It was partly inspired by Scandinavian folk-fiddle playing and Stravinsky's Soldier's Tale. It is said that 'fanitullen' (the devil's tune) was first played by the devil himself who appeared, hooves and all, at a village dance. He grabbed the fiddle and began playing a tune so wonderful that the gathered people continued dancing until they died from exhaustion - and then their corpses continued dancing until their skulls rolled out of the door and down the hill!
Commissioned note
Written as the competition piece for the 2007 Michael Hill Violin Competition as part of the composer's Auckland Philharmonia Residency 2005-2006
Performance history
03 Jun 2007: In the second Semi-Final Round of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition the 18 remaining competitiors each performed four pieces. Included was this solo work commissioned by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra from their 2006 Composer in Residence Ross Harris. Venue: Queenstown Memorial Hall
01 Jun 2008: Bella Hristova & Michael Houstoun'
23 Jun 2008: Twilight Chamber Series: Bella Hristova & Diedre Irons
01 May 2010: Stroma concert
17 Apr 2021: Christchurch Symphony Orchestra | The Devil and the Angel