"Elegy in d minor" (Heinrich Hofmann) played on bassetti free bass accordion by P. Shigrove

My stradella accordion is in repair at the moment & I'll have it back some time in the New Year. I like to record pieces like this Elegy that are less likely to be heard in accordion circles. An "Elegy" (French: élégie) may denote a type of musical work, usually of a sad or somber nature. Naturally it has a highly lyrical & expressive character as does this gem by the underrated German composer Heinrich Hofmann. I play this one on the piano & what I found to be the greatest challenge was the suspended syncopation in the right hand accompaniment. The abundance of evocative suspensions really makes this piece so beautifully. It's in a key most often used to express sorrow - D minor, but there are hints of happiness in the occasional major segments. The ending in a D major 'tierce de picardie' suggests peace & contentment from heaven in the midst of all life's difficulties.