Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen

Heavy At Gnitahei

An old norse folktune is used in this piece: The song about Sigurd, the Dragonslayer. The myth is one of the eldest norse myths. Scenes from the myth are carved as decorations in old Norwegian stave churches, and Wagner was inspired by the myth when he wrote his opera Sigfried. The huge dragon Fafnir is hiding in Gnitahei (up in the mountains). He guards a fantastic treasure. Sigurd rides his horse Grane up in the mountains. His sword Gram is made by a cunning dwarf, the only sword known to cut through dragon skin. Heavy at Gnitahei was commissioned by Storhaug Skolekorps for their 100th anniversary in 2011.