Six Songs without Words – Set Eighteen

This set was completed on 21st November 2019.

Song no.1 in A minor – Allegro moderato

Song no.2 in C major – Larghetto

Song no.3 in C♯ minor – Bourrée. Allegretto

Song no. 4 in F minor – Non allegro ma con moto e rubato

Song no. 5 in A♭ major – Amabile

Song no. 6 in A minor – Presto

The set starts with another visit to the world of tango. The influence of Piazolla is apparent, however the middle section probably owes more to some of my favourite Rachmaninov melodies with two melodic lines overlapping in a series of phrases in the right hand. The second piece is more hymn-like in its initial ideas but these are soon treated with some freedom. The substantial piece Number Three is based on the Baroque bourrée but there is a stormier passage mid-way. At the start of Piece Four there are some traces of the waltz but the second subject of this sonata-form piece is more of an expansive lyrical melody than a dance tune. Piece Five has a subdued opening but more playful material appears in due course. The main idea in the final piece suggests a tarantella with its scampering minor key main idea. There is a more lyrical second subject though cross-rhythms ensure that the music is playful most of the time.