Six Songs without Words – Set Fifteen

Song no.1 A major – Allegretto grazioso con rubato

Song no.2 in F♯ minor – Con fuoco

Song no.3 in F major – Lento

Song no. 4 in D♭ major – Allegro assai

Song no. 5 in B♭ minor – Moderato con moto

Song no. 6 in A major – Grave

The set opens with an elegant flowing piece which is followed by a more tempestuous and intense second song which has a sonata structure. Piece Three has a touch of the habanera to it and sits on the fence between dark and light much of the time. The fourth piece is largely cheerful with its main melodic idea rising quickly through the register. The next piece has some echoes of the waltz and reaches a powerful conclusion. Surprisingly, the final piece is a slow, hymn-like miniature, providing something like an ‘Amen’ to the entire set.