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Trollsång

SATB a cappella + S solo - 4 min - hard difficulty

The text, the so-called "Curse of Busla" (Buslubœn) is one of the oldest written artifacts we have of a magic spell. In the story, the witch's son is threatened by the king, so she breaks into the king's chamber in the middle of the night, reciting these words that instantly imobilize him. Perfect for a "magic" concert or something having to do with curses. The piece is arresting from the get-go and should have audiences wide-eyed in their seats.


Michael J. Johnson · Trollsång

The Curse of Busla - Swedish Translation

Troll och alver och trolltygsnornor,
blackor och bergresar bränne dina hallar:
rimtursar rive dig! Ridhingstar ride dig!
Strå dig sticke! Stormar dig piske!
Ve dig varde, om min vilja du ej gör!

The Curse of Busla - English Translation

Shall trolls and elves and tricking witches,
shall dwarfs and etins burn down thy mead-halls
shall giants hate thee and horses ride thee,
shall all straws stick thee, all storms stun thee:
and woe worth thee if my will you do not accomplish!

- Ancient Skaldic verse