Composer

:

Stanley Myers

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:35

Portrait is a classical guitar piece composed by Stanley Myers in 1976. It was originally written as the theme for the film The Walking Stick, but it has since become a popular standalone piece for guitarists. The piece is known for its haunting melody and intricate fingerpicking patterns. Portrait premiered in 1976, when it was used as the theme for the film The Walking Stick. The film, which was directed by Eric Till, tells the story of a young woman with a limp who falls in love with a blind man. The film was well-received by critics, and Myers' score was praised for its emotional depth and sensitivity. Portrait is a single-movement piece that is approximately three minutes long. It is written in the key of D minor and is played in 3/4 time. The piece is characterized by its slow, mournful melody, which is played over a simple arpeggio pattern in the left hand. The right hand plays a series of intricate fingerpicking patterns that add depth and complexity to the piece. One of the most notable characteristics of Portrait is its use of harmonics. Myers uses harmonics to create a shimmering, ethereal sound that adds to the haunting quality of the piece. The harmonics are played by lightly touching the strings at specific points along the fretboard, which creates a bell-like tone. Another characteristic of Portrait is its use of rubato. Rubato is a musical term that means "robbed time," and it refers to the practice of playing with a flexible sense of tempo. In Portrait, Myers uses rubato to create a sense of ebb and flow in the music. The tempo slows down and speeds up in response to the emotional content of the piece, which gives it a sense of spontaneity and improvisation. Overall, Portrait is a beautiful and haunting piece of music that showcases Myers' skill as a composer and guitarist. Its emotional depth and intricate fingerpicking patterns have made it a popular piece for guitarists to play and a beloved piece of classical music.

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