Kenneth Leighton: Elegy: Cello: Instrumental Work

'This work was completed in 1959 and first performed during the following year by Florence Hooton and the composer.The opening Elegy is an intense lyrical movement with two distinct themes and a final mysterious section in the manner of a slow march. This is followed by a brilliant and energetic Scherzo which is entirely dominated by the opening motive heard first on the Piano while the final movement Theme and Variations is more extended and carries the main emotional weight of the work. A bell-like theme constructed mainly of fourths is followed by variations which bear the titles - Allegro inquieto OSTINATO (a kind of passacaglia) March Appassionato Waltz and finallyCHORALE in this last variation the bell-like texture of the theme is developed and enhanced.'- © Kenneth Leighton