Transposition of the myth of Pan's flute in Satirova svirala [La flûte de Pan] by Petar Konjović: Fantasy and ballad aspects

Abstract

In this paper we interpret the elements of the fantasy and ballad principle in Satirova svirala [La flûte de Pan] (1945) for solo flute written by Petar Konjović (1883-1970) from the point of view of the author's poetics and musical and non-musical analogies with Claude Debussy's (1862-1918) composition Syrinx (1913). Aspects of the fantasy principle are equally manifested when considering Satirova svirala as a unique musical entity that musicalizes the myth of Pan's flute, as well as in the context of its dramaturgical position, as being the central movement (Andante più sostenuto e molto rubato) in the five-movement Concert Suite for Wind Quintet. The variation principle, ballad-like 'narrativity' of the flute part, improvisational character, and rubato spaces of the Svirala's musical flow emanate the Other logic and "free play" inseparable from fantasy, resonating, at the same time, with the mythical narrative.