Composer

:

Thomas Adès

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1991 - 1992

First Performance

:

Jan 11, 1993

Average_duration

:

9:54

Still Sorrowing, Op. 7 is a composition by British composer Thomas Adès. It was composed in 1992 and premiered on May 28, 1993, at the Purcell Room in London. The piece is a set of variations for solo piano, based on a theme from John Dowland's lute song "Flow my tears". The piece consists of six movements, each exploring different aspects of the theme. The first movement is a simple statement of the theme, followed by a series of variations that gradually become more complex and virtuosic. The second movement is a lively scherzo, with rapid-fire runs and playful rhythms. The third movement is a slow, mournful adagio, with long, sustained chords and a sense of deep sadness. The fourth movement is a lively dance, with a jaunty, syncopated rhythm and a playful, almost whimsical character. The fifth movement is a set of variations on a descending bass line, with a sense of increasing tension and drama. The final movement is a fast, virtuosic toccata, with rapid-fire runs and cascading arpeggios that bring the piece to a thrilling conclusion. Throughout the piece, Adès demonstrates his mastery of the piano, with a wide range of textures, dynamics, and techniques. He also shows a deep understanding of Dowland's music, using the theme as a springboard for his own creative exploration. The result is a powerful and moving work that showcases Adès' unique voice as a composer.

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