Six Songs without Words – Set Five

This set, composed during the late summer and early autumn of 2018, follows the key scheme started in the first four sets. Click on the links below to see page 1 of the scores:

Song number one in B flat major – Allegro ma anche sognante (Listen using the SoundCloud link) The substantial first piece of this set is a somewhat romanticised menuet.

Song number two in G minor – Valse con angoscia
This piece takes the form of a plaintive waltz. (Listen using the SoundCloud link)

Song number three in G flat major – Lento con bellezza squisita (Listen using the SoundCloud link below) Piece Three begins like a chorale, and though quite short, builds to an expansive mid-way point before returning to more tranquil tones.

Song number four in D major – Allegro moderato (Listen using the SoundCloud link below.) With its rising melodic lines and stride pattern accompaniment, the outer sections of this song have a cheerful sense of bonhomie and the triplet figurations in the middle section provide a flowing contrast. Slightly surprisingly, the piece comes to a quiet sense of repose at the end.

Song number five in B minor – Molto lento e torturato (Listen using the SoundCloud link below) This is one of the most poignant pieces of the entire project, expressive of both desolation and rage.

Song number six in B flat major – Poco presto e leggiero (Listen using the link below) The skittish final piece brings Set Five to a cheery conclusion.