A Lament (Solo Treble)

Audio Sample

*Full voice demo and piano track available as separate download with book purchase

Manmohan Ghose was a professor, poet, and brilliant scholar from Eastern India in the late 19th century. He was educated in London, and was one of the first poets originally from India to publish poetry in English. “A Lament” is one of his earliest published poems, and speaks in vivid language of a lullaby that is also a permanent goodbye. Much later in life, Manmohan experienced a series of family tragedies that gave him a unique perspective on grief. After returning to India to mourn his father’s death and eventually the passing of his wife, he never again made it back to England as he had wished to before his own death. 

The text of this piece has been paired with a mixolydian mode and a blend of musical elements designed to invoke a nostalgic, dream-like atmosphere. The melody functions as an excellent educational introduction or further study into the concept of modes. When studying this piece, it may be helpful to identify D as the tonal center.