The work is conceived as the first of a cycle of four pieces for different types of solo flute, with the overall title of ALCHIMIA, In this cycle, each of the pieces is based on one of the four elements of the Nature of the Ancient World, from the most subtle (air) to the most dense (earth).

Thus, based on the conception of sound as a living and malleable, quasi-material entity, "ALCHIMIA: (I) AER" explores the transformation of sound matter, mainly from the timbral and textural point of view, in connection with the Air element. For this reason, the work presents a predominance of wind timbres in its sound treatment, which due to their subtle nature are amplified to facilitate listening.

With a symbolic treatment of the musical parameters, the compositional process is based on the geometry of the magic square of Air, through which the ancient alchemists represented the power of transmutation of this element.

And so, the musical notation materializes in sound, at the same time exercising its power of transmutation in the listener through the sounds extracted from the transverse flute by the musician-alchemist.

This work has been supported by the Department of Culture of the Basque Government.