'Njoktje' is the South Sami word for a swan and this music is based on an old yoik (a traditional Sami form of song) which creates an audio image of this beautiful bird, rather than simply describing it. In this piece, which was recorded by Cantus on their album Northern Lights, elements from the original yoik have been used together with the composer's own experience of the bird, as well as his own musical language.

An independent, four-part yoik ostinato in the alto 2 part underpins much of this work, and that, combined with the flowing melodies and close harmonies, creates a unique and very attractive soundscape.

Fjellheim's distinctive and approachable musical language, which many will recognise from the use of his music at the opening of Disney's Frozen, will appeal to both singers and audience.


Composer's Note
‘Njoktje’ is the South Sámi word for a swan. This music is based on an old yoik (a traditional Sámi form of song) describing this beautiful bird. Traditionally one used to yoik the swan, not yoik about the swan – this is an essential way of explaining what the yoik tradition is. It describes the object being yoiked directly, so by yoiking the swan one actually creates an audio image of the swan. In this piece, elements from the original yoik have been used together with my own experience of the bird, and of course my own musical language.


In South Sámi language the letter å is used. The following may be used as a guide to pronunciation:


å – as in ‘all’
a – as in ‘far’
j – as in ‘yes’
o – as in ‘moon’


Frode Fjellheim - 2017