Shadow veiled as the years pass

Description

This piece is a reworking of the song ‘An End’ from the composer’s song cycle …too bitter sweet (Op. 27) and takes its title from a line in the Rosetti poem, which suggests an overall mood of regret and nostalgia. Based on a rising minor arpeggio in an E modal minor tonality, the main theme is varied slightly on each statement. Likewise the secondary motif, first heard in bars 27 to 30, is presented differently each time. Wistful throughout and unashamedly melodic, the flute is in constant dialogue with the piano accompaniment.