Idar Torskangerpoll

The Pictures of Kittelsen

This work was written for the Kragerø Wind Band in 2022 and received its world premiere on April 16, 2023, in Kragerø Church. The piece consists of four movements, each inspired by a work of art by Theodor Kittelsen. Several of the motifs have a strong local connection to Kragerø, where Kittelsen drew inspiration from the archipelago and the surrounding landscape.

The first movement is based on The Nøkken (the Nixie), the mythical figure from Norwegian folklore known for luring people into the water and to their death. The motif is associated with Jomfruland, just outside Kragerø, near Tårntjern. Whether one might actually encounter the Nøkken there remains unknown.

The second movement, Moonlight, is also inspired by a motif from Jomfruland. Here, Kittelsen captured the moonlight on an unusually still night on the island at the very edge of the open sea.

The third movement is based on Spring Day by the Sea, a nature motif from Skåtøy, close to Jomfruland. Kittelsen lived on Skåtøy during periods of his life, and the area left a clear imprint on his artistic work.

The fourth and final movement is inspired by Far Away He Saw Something Shimmer and Glow, also known as Soria Moria, from the fairy-tale collection of Asbjørnsen and Moe. Kittelsen's depiction of Askeladden gazing toward Soria Moria in the distance has, for many, become a powerful symbol of hope for the future and the dream of succeeding in life.

All works by Kittelsen used in this suite can be viewed at nasjonalmuseet.no