Passacaglia
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SKU: A0.914738
Composed by Eric J Roth. 20th Century,Contemporary. Individual part. 7 pages. Eric J Roth #4756827. Published by Eric J Roth (A0.914738).(7 pages. 3 pages of music)
This Passacaglia is the first of a four-movement sonata composed in 2018. Publication of the entire sonata is forthcoming, but the Passacaglia is offered here as a single, standalone work. I have performed the Passacaglia in my own concert programs both on its own and as part of the larger sonata. I believe that it works equally well both ways.
The Passacaglia form originated in 17th-century Spain. It started as a series of strummed chords that served as an interlude between dances. The term itself translates as "street song." Over time, it evolved to become a series of variations set over an ostinato or ground bass, usually in triple meter. It is often indistinguishable from a Chaconne. In character, the Passacaglia is often serious, or even grave.
The Passacaglia offered here adheres to this tradition in most ways, except that it is in 5/4 instead of triple meter. The ostinato phrase is five measures long and set in quarter notes. Variations usually occur in pairs and are distinguished by texture. Beginning simply, the variations build in complexity throughout the piece. The main theme, introduced in the second pair of variations, recurs later in a fuller texture. One final statement of the ostinato in bare octaves ends the piece. The tonality stems from an E harmonic minor scale, although an added B flat serves to blur any sense of strict tonality.
Please note that there are some minor differences between the score and the YouTube video of a live performance from 2018.
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