DESCRIPTION:
ETERNAL SONG Op.32 by K. James Peace
for Soprano and Orchestra

This large scale work is concerned with the concept of rebirth. The three movements which are linked and indeed interlinked thematically, are entitled:
1. Evening
2. Night Dreams
3. Morning Awakes

'Evening' begins with a clarinet solo based on the interval of a sixth, which is to become an important feature of the work. Although many phrases attempt to reach a climax, despite their ardure do not reach fulfillment until the last movement.

As the Soprano (who remains wordless throughout) lapses into sleep in the second movement, she begins to dream, this taking the form of a series of surrealistic tableaux (among these, "Japanese" and "Blues" variations). The period of sleep is represented by a low double bass note which is held throughout this movement. The alteration of reality is never resolved , and the music simply fades as night reaches its end.

The awakening of the heroine is then introduced by a sunrise in the final movement, With some of Peace's most sensualy composed music, the phrases rise to ever higher planes of eroticism. Gradually the excitement subsides, ending in a serene reprise of the main theme.

This work can be seen as unique in James Peace's output both in terms of the form of the work, as well as of the transcendental beauty of many of the passages contained therein.

Duration: ca 45 minutes. Copyright. K. James Peace Film Foundation 2014