Program Notes This work is based on the Norse mythological figure of Scandinavia Scandinavia called Thökk. When the son of Odin, Balder, was killed all of the gods grieved. His brother Hermod went to the underworld underworld to ask Hel for his release. She agreed to release Balder if she could see that all things grieved for his loss. Hermod convinced all of the world to grieve for his brother Balder except except one person. Thökk was the name of a giantess that lived in a distant distant remote cavern. She showed no remorse remorse for Balder. Balder. The spite of Thökk kept Balder from coming back to the living and he remained in the underworld. underworld. After this was accomplished accomplished it is said that Thökk transformed back to Loki who was disguising himself the whole time. This work is made of three differing sections. The three sections represent represent three aspects of this story. The first, solitude, represents represents the solitude of Thökk in the distant remote caverns. The second, refusal, represents Thökk’s Thökk’s refusal to mourn the loss of Balder. The last section, deception, represents represents Loki’s deception that led to Balder’s final resting in the underworld.
Performance Notes Performance Notes
Within this work a few techniques that may need further clarification. Starting at Measure 30: the plus signs above the notes denote a left hand pizzicato and will always represent this throughout the piece. String Names are denoted by Roman Numerals: i.e. G=I, D=II, A=III, and E=IV Measures 48-54: 48-54: The open D note following the first note of the slur she be sounded by pulling off of the note before before it. This D should not not be bowed. Only the first diad diad at the beginning beginning of the slur should be bowed. Measure 55: This part should begin at 136 to the dotted quarter and should immediately start to ritard until the next tempo indication. Measure 73: In the last three beats of this measure there is a glissando that should be sounded against an open D. The notes that that are included included in the glissando go from C# to the upper A. This glissando should should be bowed along with the open D. Most specific dynamics, articulations, articulations, and tempo markings are given. given. Any other interpretations interpretations of the score beyond these markings, by the performer, is welcome.
The Spite of Thökk for Solo Contrabass
q = 60 ? 44 ˙ . ˙. p
Dark and Solemn
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? 44 w w 5
? b˙. ˙. P w b ? f 10
Lief Ellis
p œ œ
# ˙˙ ..
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bœ œ
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# ˙˙
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b˙. ˙. P
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left hand pizz.
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arco
poco accel.
27
3
3
3
21
molto accel. 3
Tense and Anxious
3
3
II
30
3
III
3
3
3
33
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