The Elegie, shifting between monophonic and polyphonic two part dialog, imparts a
sacred quality similar to Gregorian chant. Accompaniment chords serve as quiet
answers to the phrases. The Totentanz is a dance of the body after death and
is the last play of the muscles. Inmoderate triple meter, Totentanz
features staccato articulations that give it a perky and playful character. Opening
with a rhythmic motive of four eighth notes, this motive is subsequently marked with an
embellished grace note. and spun out in a Baroque fashion. This "single
affection" pervades the entire fabric. Use of a motor rhythm sustains a great
sense of momentum, until the ending where it winds down majestically. 6
p. AE0429 $6.98 Download Adobe Acrobat reader excerpt of
Elegie und Totentanz
(295K)