Commissioned by Jonathan Riemer for Inversion Ensemble’s “The Electric Choir” concert in October 2022, La loba (The Wolf) displays Alfonsina Storni’s powerful poetic voice as a feminist amidst the patriarchy of early twentieth century Buenos Aires. She breaks away from her expected role as a sheep in an obedient flock and becomes a wolf sharpening her teeth and honing her skills. Moreover, she calls for others to follow her to stand up and face the enemy.
More than a century later, Storni’s voice still echoes with a powerful call to action in a world where women’s rights are as fragile as ever. Bored of its usual role as a bird, the flute breaks away from the flock to inhabitat the wolf through transformative electronic distortions. The main theme mimics actual wolf calls, surprisingly comfortable in the flute’s low register. The tango-infused choral harmonies evoke the dissonance and angst in women’s struggle for equality through the ages.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/YpYd6c37ePI