Elegy for violin and cello was written as a musical tribute to the innocent Iranian civilians whose lives were taken during the twelve day war between Israel and Iran in June 2025. It is a contemplation of loss, resilience, and the space of stillness that lives in mourning. Elegy reveals as an intimate conversation between the violin and cello, in lyrical lines and purposeful dissonance, and expresses a range of sorrow with longing for peace. It is written as a personal act of commemoration, as well as a reminder to nourish our humanity during times of violence.
The piece is written in the key area of D Esfahan (with one B half flat in its key signature), one of the common modes of traditional Persian music. The non-metered, improvisatory-like melodic style of the piece draws inspiration from the performance practices of the Kamanchehāa prominent bowed string instrument in Middle Eastern music, particularly within Persian traditions (see an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFUUW5QPlUI). The use of ornamentation, expressive articulations, and varied bowing techniques in this work seeks to capture the subtle timbral nuances and phrasing characteristic of the Kamancheh idiom.
This recording was made at the 2025 Sunset ChamberFest Young Composers Workshop in Santa Monica.
Violin: Benjamin Hoffman, Cello: Christopher Ahn