This was my first commission as a professional, outside of the helpful halls of a music school. This was also my first flute choir piece, which presented a score of challenges and discoveries. As often I do, I like stories and themes to accompany a piece, especially if no melody or harmony presents itself right away. It was while I was reading a short story page that one in particular caught my eye. This was the story of the first witch in Lithuania. While there are innumerable variations to this tale, this version took me by how concise yet thrilling it was. To summarize: A woman strolls through the forest just as rain falls, she manages to evade even a drop of wet when a god approaches her asking what magic she has done to come dry from such a storm. She agrees to show him this magic only if he shows her some of his own. He consents and, in turn, gives her all the knowledge and immense powers he has. Thus, the first witch is made. I reread this story several times before I realised I was hearing the backing track to the story in my head. Within a week, this piece, my 40th work, was born.

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 5’30”