Ballade Tragique

The Ballade Tragique was inspired by the romantic notion of extended forms integrating numerous emotional states. Because of navigating through such a wide array of emotions, it may be thought of conceptually in terms of multiple shorter works unified by the same thematic material. After the opening motif establishes the ominous atmosphere, a second theme is introduced, constructed from a 12-tone row omitting 3 elements which return later as important musical complements. After a series of increasingly dramatic variations on the first theme, a nocturne-like middle section offers temporary relief but ultimately gives way to a bleaker expression of the second theme. This gives way to a series of foreboding repeated notes in the low register, which signal the climax, a dramatic and virtuosic display of the opening motif.

Recorded at Clearlake Recording Studios in Burbank, CA in 2023.