In Memoriam
Allen Brings
About this work:
In memoriam was composed at the request of Hermann Ostendarp as a tribute to his mother Dr. Caecilia Ostendarp, who was also the composer's first-cousin. As Dr. Ostendarp was serious in everything she did, so also is this music. As deeply expressive as she was, so also does this music try to be. While the music begins with complex, chromatic harmonies such as one might find in the music of Bach, it ends peacefully and with an air of quiet resignation as an excerpt from the Stundenbuch (Book of Hours), which Dr. Ostendarp was reading not long before she died, is sung to a simple melody such as she might have heard as a child.
Score and parts available from Mira Music Associates. Contact: miramusic@aol.com
Version: for string orchestra and alto soloist
Year composed: 2006
Duration: 00:05:24
Ensemble type: Orchestra:String Orchestra with Soloist(s)
Instrumentation: 1 Strings (General), 1 Alto
Instrumentation notes: Alto soloist is heard only toward the end of the piece.