K33-6. Lacrymosa

For Mezzo-soprano Soloist and String Trio or Orchestra

• Mezzo-soprano, Violin, Viola and Violoncello, any size ensemble
• Or Mezzo-soprano with any two string parts
• Or Mezzo-soprano with any one string part
• Or Mezzo-soprano and Piano (2 or 3 hands)
• Or String trio, ensemble or orchestra without soloist

Performance Time: 3:20

This D minor Lacrymosa has been excerpted from my full Requiem Mass and scored for mezzo-soprano soloist with string trio. That said, it is suitable for any size string ensemble, from solo ensemble to large orchestra. If performed by orchestra, the violin part should be assigned to both 1st and 2nd violins, as is done in the full Requiem. If the vocal part is omitted, the work becomes a completely abstract piece in the style of baroque counterpoint and suitable for any concert any time of the year.

All three string parts and the vocal part are completely independent of, though complimentary to, one another, and any one of the string parts is suitable as a solo or soli all on its own, and any two of them as a duet, with or without soloist. So that any subset of parts and player strengths may be accommodated by this work. For example, the piece is suitable for a community ensemble comprised entirely of violins and violas. Lastly, for a soloist having only one or two string players, any of the string parts will work as accompaniment.

The string parts are of moderate difficulty and should be accessible to many church groups. The piano part included with the soloist is intended for rehearsal, but if used for performance, small hands will find the part quite difficult, in which case it may be easily played with 3 hands.

Many thanks to Lisa Ratigan for providing bowings, and Natalie Parker for reviewing the cello part.

Recordings of the Lacrymosa featuring soloist (demo) with string trio, string trio alone, and piano alone, may be downloaded below. A 16 bit WAV recording is provided in case a soloist would like to perform with a recording of the trio.

All performances of this work private or public are granted free without royalties. If you decide to perform the work, I would love to hear from you.

The score, parts and recordings below may be downloaded for free personal use and public performance and shared with friends. (I reserve all copyrights on this music, contact me directly for explicit permissions.)