Composer

:

Frank Bridge

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1912

Average_duration

:

8:48

Frank Bridge's 'Lament, for 2 violas' is a hauntingly beautiful piece of music that was composed in 1912. It was premiered in the same year at a concert in London, where it was performed by the composer himself and his friend, the violist Lionel Tertis. The piece is divided into two movements, with the first being slow and mournful, while the second is more lively and upbeat. The first movement of 'Lament, for 2 violas' is marked 'Adagio ma non troppo' and is characterized by its melancholic and mournful tone. The two violas play in unison for much of the movement, creating a sense of unity and shared grief. The melody is simple and repetitive, with the violas taking turns to play the main theme. The harmonies are rich and complex, with dissonant chords adding to the sense of sadness and loss. The second movement of the piece is marked 'Allegro con moto' and is much more lively and energetic than the first. The violas play in a call-and-response style, with one taking the lead while the other provides accompaniment. The melody is more complex than in the first movement, with intricate runs and arpeggios adding to the sense of movement and momentum. The harmonies are still rich and complex, but there is a sense of resolution and closure that was absent from the first movement. Overall, 'Lament, for 2 violas' is a beautiful and moving piece of music that showcases Frank Bridge's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, simple melodies, and sense of shared grief and loss. The two movements provide a sense of contrast and balance, with the first movement expressing sadness and the second providing a sense of resolution and closure.

More....