Program Notes

St. Elmo’s Fire is a rare weather phenomenon in which brilliant blue lightning appears around pointed objects during a thunderstorm. It is often seen on airplanes and the masts of ships. This happens when corona discharge electrifies the air and creates luminous plasma, appearing like a giant Tesla coil. Although we have a scientific explanation for why this happens, it was historically seen as signs from the divine by many different cultures. In Filipino culture, for example, this weather phenomenon is thought to have inspired the folklore of the Santelmo, an evil forest spirit which appears as a glowing ball of light. It is often seen as a bad omen of incoming misfortune or even death. In contrast, Welsh sailors would sometimes see St. Elmo’s Fire on the masts of their ships as they navigated harsh thunderstorms. Often called “The Candles of St. David,” this was seen as a message from God signifying the end of the storm.

St. Elmo’s Fire explores this idea through the juxtaposition of these two cases. The story of the Santelmo and the Candles of St. David are depicted as a series of still images.  A single theme permeates both movements, surrounded by colorful timbral changes portraying these stories.