Description

Robert Xavier Rodríguez (1946-),  “Il Lamento di Tristano”.

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• Year of Composition:  1997
• Score & Parts
• 32 Pages

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Il Lamento di Tristano is a set of variations on two themes that are in highly contrasting styles.  Rodríguez juxtaposes fragments from Wagner’s opera, Tristan and Isolde, with a 14th-century monophonic dance, Lamento di Tristano.

The work opens with the two themes combined in a florid cantillation led by the flute over passionate Spanish guitar strumming.  The original Medieval theme follows in a seductive dance-like setting in keeping with the melody’s arabesque character.  The ensuing variations explore the work’s central dramatic conflict: Wagner’s lush chromatic harmonies vs. the modal simplicity of the original Medieval Lamento.

The two themes gradually merge as a synthesis is reached.