Elegy
for Carillon honors the memory of Johan Franco
(1908-1988), a dedicated 20th
century composer who devoted much of his time and energy to the creation of
music for the carillon.
Elegy begins as a song
without a melody, opening with a somber statement sixteen measures in
length. After modulating to a new key, its plaintive ariose theme emerges in
the soprano line. Sequential modulations and reappearances of
Elegy’s theme follow in different ranges and voices with increased
movement until the melody is stated boldly in the lower pedal notes of the
instrument, sounding out against the arpeggiated harmonies of the
introduction played in higher registers. In the wake of this dramatic
statement, the intensity abates and draws to a serene ending.
Elegy
can be effectively rendered on the piano with judicious octavo basso
doublings of the bass line.