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Louhen Loitsut

(Louhi's Spells, 2012)

  • Wind Orchestra: 2 fl, 1 ob, 3 cl, 1 b.cl, 1 a.sax, 1 t.sax, 1 b.sax, 4 hn, 4 tpt, 3 tbn, 1 bar, 2 tba, timp, 5 perc

  • Duration 8 min.

  • Commissioned by the Conscript Band of the Finnish Defence Forces

  • First performance on April 11, 2012, in Lahti, Finland by The Conscript Band of the Finnish Defence Forces conducted by Sami Ruusuvuori



Louhi, the mistress of the mythical land of Pohjola, is described in the Kalevala (the national epic of Finland) as a witch with enormous magical powers. Louhi can cast spells, change her shape and even control the Moon and the Sun. In this work, I have described Louhi doing her magic. The rich spectral chords represent Louhi’s spells at their full strength. The tubular bells have an essential role in this work. They remind us of the co-existence of the Christianity and the pagan beliefs in medieval Finland. TR, 2012

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