Elegy (Symphony of the Hymns)

I thought I could write some more movements based on those ancient melodies, and build a Symphony of the Hymns.

So this is the second part... the third is in progress...

I like to adapt the instrumentation to what I need, that's why I put two French horns, or two harps in this case, etc....

Really nice, just as the first one of the set! I particularly love how careful you are with the use of the instruments and  with the use of percussion, double basses and cellos for contrasting lighter settings (such as only woodwinds) with bass heavier settings. Really enjoyable!

What can I say? So I'd best say nothing except what a wonderful work - and quite a departure from some of the works of yours to which I've listened.

Bravo!

A very nicely orchestrated work.  To my ear I hear a slow "renaissance/folk like dance".  I wanted the tempo to be a bit faster to bring out the "lilt" in the music; although the title implies a more somber tone.  The work has a steady feel/tempo throughout.  At times, I felt some contrasting rhythms/tempos (development) would add to the work.  Overall, quite lovely to listen to ... you do have a talent for very good orchestration ... color/texture etc.

8 hours ago, MJFOBOE said:

A very nicely orchestrated work.  To my ear I hear a slow "renaissance/folk like dance".  I wanted the tempo to be a bit faster to bring out the "lilt" in the music; although the title implies a more somber tone.  The work has a steady feel/tempo throughout.  At times, I felt some contrasting rhythms/tempos (development) would add to the work.  Overall, quite lovely to listen to ... you do have a talent for very good orchestration ... color/texture etc.

 

Thanks for listening to it and your comments. I think the original tune is very very old, and in the beginning, it was modal. But now it is sung more in minor mode. These kind of music is spread all over the Eastern Mediterranean, in different versions. AFAIK, it is sung in the Armenian tradition, which is from where I took the melody. It is not a dance, but my version is totally free and there are parts that sound like dances of the "folclore" of my region, which is connected to this, by the Mediterranean sea.