Composer

:

Frank Bridge

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1915

Average_duration

:

4:28

Frank Bridge's 'Lament, for string orchestra' was composed in 1915, during the height of World War I. It was premiered on October 14, 1915, at a Promenade Concert in London, conducted by Henry Wood. The piece is a single-movement work that lasts approximately 8 minutes. The 'Lament' is a deeply emotional and mournful work that reflects the composer's feelings about the war. It is written in a slow tempo and is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and chromaticism. The piece is scored for a string orchestra, with no other instruments used. The work begins with a somber and mournful melody played by the violins, which is then taken up by the rest of the orchestra. The melody is then developed and expanded upon, with the use of various string techniques such as pizzicato and tremolo. The middle section of the piece features a more agitated and intense section, with the use of faster rhythms and more dissonant harmonies. This section builds to a climax before returning to the mournful melody of the opening. The 'Lament' is a powerful and moving work that reflects the composer's deep sense of loss and sadness. It is a testament to the emotional power of music and its ability to express the deepest human emotions. The piece has become a staple of the string orchestra repertoire and is often performed in commemoration of those who have lost their lives in war.

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