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＞ E.Elgar
＞ In Smyrna
| level | C1 | playing time | 5：00 |
| Elgar went on a Mediterranean cruise in the autumn of 1905 and stayed in Smyrna (now Izmir), Turkey. This piece was composed inspired by the impressions of the city and his travel experiences. Elgar wrote about the sights of Smyrna and the cruise in his own diary. This piece does not overflow with exoticism and Turkish vibes, but rather depicts a serene Mediterranean landscape. The soft 16th notes in the opening of the right hand evoke gentle Mediterranean ripples. In the middle section, marked stringendo , an exotic atmosphere emerges briefly, only to be followed by a bright and expansive melody that leads back to the main theme. The accompaniment of the recurring theme is written in triplets, slightly larger than the opening 16th notes, resembling the swaying waves. In the grandioso finale and beyond, a subtly exotic melodic line, reminiscent of an Oriental scale, is played proudly in ff , transporting the listener to a different world with a flowing, improvised passage, and concluding softly in pianissimo. It fades away like disappearing into the waves. Elgar’s pure piano compositions are incredibly rare. (And they are rarely performed as well…) Among them, this piece is approachable, with a concise and beautiful melodic line that vividly resonates with the Mediterranean. Yet, it also exudes a sense of longing and nostalgia for the past. A hidden gem. | |||
｜Reference・score／web site
- Tow Piano Pieces／E.Elgar／Novello Publishing