Elegy

Harold Darke's Elegy was published in A Book of Simple Organ Voluntaries in 1949, but it hearkens back to the sound world of the Edwardian era. The singing melodic lines and warmly expressive harmonies build to a grand climax (in the unexpected key of VII) before a reflective coda returns the listener to the tonic. Charles E. Peery has skillfully turned this solo organ work into a dialogue between organ and harp. Sometimes, the two instruments join for a melody in unison or octaves, especially as the music builds, but the instrumentation also allows for moments of dialogue. Sometimes, the prominence of one instrument is achieved by subtle distribution of the parts, such as when the low tessitura of the organ allows the delicate harp to sing the principal theme at the recapitulation. The art of orchestrating an arrangement can be seen here in the addition of notes in the harp that reinforce the organ's harmony without altering chords while simultaneously adding rhythmic propulsion, or in the bringing out of an inner voice on the organ by giving the rest of the harmony to the harp. Harp and organ is a wonderful combination; this work is a welcome addition to the repertoire. A separate leaflet with the harp part is enclosed. Recommended for somber and reflective occasions as well as recitals.

—Brian Harlow, The Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians, January 2025