Folia Lirica

The composer says: "If the Folia Lirica seems to be a throwback to earlier historic periods, my intention was clearly to tap the rich resources of a long-time tradition, and by doing so to search for ways to make it part of a viable personal expression. In short, the old gives rise to the new. The very opening is a broad defining statement of the principal idea combined with free flowing rhapsodic passages setting the mood of the Introduction. This is continued with a few more statements and passage work, after which the stage is set for the Exposition of the principal theme. This is then followed by a set of free variations and a development, making use of contrasting registers and moods. There is a moment of pause by means of a reflective interlude at the end of the development. After a restatement of the Exposition which contains additional development, the work ends with the theme in the bass register. This then is followed by a soft, steady ascent into the highest reaches of the instrument where the music disappears into the open."