Therese B. Ulvo - "The Elephant Bird"

Therese B. Ulvo - "The Elephant Bird"
2 trp, hrn, trb, tuba, 3 perc
Live Concert in Grønland Church the 3rd. of March 2019
COMMISSIONED BY NYNORSK MESSINGSKVINTETT AND PINQUINS
WITH SUPPORT FROM ARTS COUNCIL NORWAY
Program note:
Elephant birds were once a common sight on Madagascar. They weighed at least half a tonne, stood at around 3m tall and
laid giant eggs, which were bigger even than those of the dinosaurs. The birds had massive legs, taloned claws, and long,
powerful necks.
The elephant bird died out around a thousand years ago and takes its name from the writings of Marco Polo. He claimed to
have seen a bird so big and powerful it could snatch up an elephant in its talons and fly off with it. The real elephant bird
would not have been able to do such a thing. For one thing, it was flightless, and for another, it was smaller than an elephant.
Very soon after birds came into existence, some species lost their ability to fly. Why did this happen? This is one of many
questions about the course of evolution. Abilities must yield profits. Non-flying birds can grow bigger and thus, stronger.
There are no predators on islands, so what is the use of flying?
Placing the musicians all over the beautiful room in Grønland Church made me think about the largest bird that ever lived.
All musicians are facing the middle of the room, and something happens there. All the sounds have a meeting point, and
sometimes they try to fly - but they can’t. They almost make it - but then they are too big. Too heavy. They are able to flap,
but never make it completely off the ground.

[@machida5114]

quite delicious.....