On 11 March 2011 one of the five most powerful earthquakes in living history hit Japan resulting in nearly 16,000 deaths and the repercussions of this event has affected many thousands of lives. French guitartist/composer Jean-Marie Raymond wrote his Eleqie as a homage to the victims of this natural disaster. The piece is in ABA form with a poignant adagio establishing the scene before the middle section starts up with a menacing ostinato bass (the approaching danger?) underpinning a plaintive series of arpeggiated chords before a final return to the opening section, this time, slightly altered. The overall impression is one of deep sadness, helped of course by the subject matter. The work doesn't outstay its welcome, Raymond wisely didn't drag this one out, and the end result is - 'entertaining' is not quite the correct word here - perhaps 'engrossing' fits better. A good Intermediate standard player should manage this piece which is very nicely presented with good fingering.
Steve Marsh (Classical Guitar Magazine)
