Elegy

Hi all,

Last week or so I mentioned I would orchestra my Brass Quartet Elegy.  Well here it is ...

This is the first complete version.  I had one meeting with my mentor before posting.

So please listen to the Brass Quartet and then to my arrangement.  They are not identical since the orchestration offers so much more opportunities for texture/color .... but the message is the same.

All feedback appreciated ....

Mark

PS: This piece was sketched about 16 years ago when my oldest brother passed away.  It was written to highlight his struggle towards the end of his life.

Edited December 14, 20232 yr by MJFOBOE

Hi @MJFOBOE,

The structure of this piece is very unique, as I was looking at the title “Elegy” I think it would be a very tragic music, but no, most of the time I really feel a vivacity which you describe as the last struggle, only till the end there’s sadness in it. The ending is very beautiful with those chords, it’s tragic, scary but also hopeful, I don’t know how to describe it. Your brother must be happy when you finish this piece for him.

Henry

The ending is very beautiful with those chords, it’s tragic, scary but also hopeful, I don’t know how to describe it.

I am so pleased the music touched you.  Thank you for listening....

Mark

Difficult to give "feedback" or critique. It's a finished work and fine as an elegy. It comes across slightly bleak and acerbic - whether I was unintentionally affected by your explanation of its origins I don't know. I'll have to look for the brass quartet but you've taken advantage of the orchestra rather well. Like Henry, I felt the quietude of the closing bars rather beautiful in a solemn way - bar 89 to fin. 

I had a couple of concerns about orchestral balance in your rendering as, nice that you gave us a score!  the absence of dynamic markings except hairpins is notable.

However, it's a great piece as it is 

Quinn, thanks for taking the time to listen and comment.  This is the first complete version ... and yes, I need to attend to the dynamics etc.  Sometimes it just feels good to place all on paper and let others listen in ... However, it's a great piece as it is.... this means a lot to me!

Mark

Hi Mark,

Admittedly, I am sometimes at a loss for what to make of your music.  The string arpeggios in this piece for example sound menacing and "acerbic" as @Quinn mentioned and don't bring to mind an "Elegy" at all.  But I think @Henry Ng Tsz Kiu's comment about the last chords being tragic and your clarification about the beginning fanfare being a kind of false triumph made me appreciate and understand the piece a bit better.  Thanks for sharing!

Peter

Hi Mark.

I very much enjoyed this piece. Found it dramatic and exciting, with its powerful driving rhythm. 

Reminded me of early 20th century Russian composers like Prokofiev and Shostakovich.

Not quite sure about the ending, which sounds unfinished; but otherwise loved it!

Alex,

Thanks for the review.  I have added to my composition as per discussions with my mentor.  He suggested that the dramatic arch in the allegro midsection needed a bit of boost.  So that's what I have worked on these last few weeks.  So the struggle in the music becomes most strident before the improved transition to the resignation at the end.  I'll post what I have modified when I am satisfied with the changes.

Mark

PS: I love Prokofiev and Shostakovich!!

Hi all,

For those interested in this thread ...   I met with my mentor the other day.  I am uploading an improved mid-section.  The improvements include articulations, added percussion, improved transition to the end, and additional material to create a better listening arc.  I won't post this work again; however, I will continue to work on the piece. 

Comments most appreciated.

Hi Mark.

I wondered if you could explain your tempo directions at Bar (Measure) 36?
You've got 144 bpm indicated at the top of the system; but 86 bpm above the strings. 
Not sure I understand what's going on there.

On 2/21/2024 at 9:01 AM, Alex Weidmann said:

Hi Mark.

I wondered if you could explain your tempo directions at Bar (Measure) 36?
You've got 144 bpm indicated at the top of the system; but 86 bpm above the strings. 
Not sure I understand what's going on there.

 

Just a house keeping/engraving issue.  By the way ... My composition Elegy is scheduled to be rehearsed on May 23rd with Island Symphony Orchestra ... NY.  I am preparing the engraving/parts now.