Dmytro Kyryliv's "Molfar" for bassoon and piano [Digital Download]

This is a quirky and challenging work for bassoon and piano written by emerging young talent Dmytro Kyryliv. It begins with a slow and mysterious melody, and transforms via a virtuosic bassoon cadenza into the frenzied lilting rhythms of the second half. Bassoonist and Ukrainian music scholar Zachary Senick (Захар Сенюк) helped bring this new edition to life, which includes fingerings for multiphonics used in the piece.

The piece takes inspiration from Ukrainian folklore. The title, “Molfar,” comes from Hutsul culture and refers to men with supernatural abilities living in the forests of the Carpathian Mountains. Their abilities combine different elements of magic, fortune-telling, and healing. Their powers often focus on herbalism, the practice of using herbs and plants to treat illnesses. In oral stories throughout history, molfars have often been depicted as channelling their powers through black magic for evil purposes.

Dmytro Kyryliv’s “Molfar” for bassoon and piano is part of ép’s Slava Ukraini series, and revenues from the sales of this title go directly to the composer.

Duration: 8 ½ min. (approx.)