鈥淲e are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.鈥�
The inspirational plea for reconciliation from Abraham Lincoln鈥檚 first inaugural address on March 4th 1861 was my starting point for a fifteen minute concerto for oboe and strings for the virtuoso oboist Emily Pailthorpe, to whom the work is dedicated. It is divided into two continuous movements, separated by Taps, the bugle call which is played traditionally for funerals or at sunset. In the first movement the oboe鈥檚 material is largely based on fanfare motifs, heard distantly against sustained strings, then in a more dynamic form as part of an Allegro molto movement. Contrasted with it is a series of widely spaced muted string chords based around the interval of the perfect fifth, the 鈥渕ystic chords of memory鈥�. The war-like climax leads to utter stillness as Taps is sounded, and from which emerges a gentler, lyrical oboe theme evoking compassion for victims of war and violence. Over a murmuring string texture the oboe presents the 鈥渂etter angels鈥� theme, a pianissimo, descending, modal melody that expands and transforms its intervals each time it is repeated. The violins take up the theme, then the celli, till the whole ensemble sings it in affirmative forte octave unison. A contrasting rising oboe phrase based on the harmonic series leads us to a peaceful conclusion as the 鈥渂etter angels鈥� theme dies away.
Programme note 漏 Richard Blackford 8.4.13
