2010 (appx. 10’)
for trumpet and piano
Programme note:
This personal work was initially born from a lecture given by writer Sarah Wood on the interrelationship of music with other art forms. She used three words ‘pathos’ and ‘lost meaning’ that struck me particularly – I knew I had a title for my new piece.
Ultimately, in this imaginary journey we search for truth amid the chaos of life. The music also refers and responds directly to history. Beethoven’s deeply nostalgic Piano Sonata no. 30, Op 109 seeps into the composition, helping to similarly guide us. Beethoven’s music seems to me so inextricably linked with compassion and humanity, something that lacks in far too many people.
Thus there are twists and turns toward a seeming apotheosis. Yet, despite all the lyricism, the plaintive calls, the fierce passages and the music’s own path toward a climactic end, that same level of doubt remains throughout. Beethoven’s muse, and the cries of its other source of inspiration, all lead to a work that cannot truly cope with what confronts it.
This work was sponsored by Lady Fraser and was first performed by Huw Morgan and Timothy End in the PLG New Year Series on 13th January 2011 in the Purcell Room, Southbank Centre.
© Paul Max Edlin 2010 (rev 2013)
Perusal score available on request