The word, romance, means two similar but distinct things. Most contemporarily, to be romantic means to be deeply expressive in one’s feelings of love. Older still, the word had a broader definition, referring to any story involving dramatic and exciting adventures full of mystery, peril, and, of course, love.
I approach, in this composition, these two definitions of romance all starry-eyed. First, I intended for the music to programmatically depict the literal adventures of youthful love: excitement, joy, the sheer ecstasy of stealing long, wet, forbidden kisses and the endlessly pining periods between those moments, achieving more burning intensity–in a manner of speaking–as the musical journey progresses. Of the second definition, I sought to use the stylings found in ballet, opera, and contemporary fantasy movie scores to provoke a sense of magical transcendence. Perhaps the listener will be reminded of lush forests and ancient castles and daring-do, if not for my ample quotations of Wagner’s “Tristan chord.” Either way, regardless of my own intent, I invite you to imagine your own hearty adventure as you listen.
This work is the eighth of my Beethoven Episodes, composed on his two hundred and fiftieth anniversary, and, unfortunately, during the terrible Covid-19 Pandemic of 2020. Even though it is intended to go along with Ludwig Van Beethoven’s eighth symphony, this work can stand on its own right. This work is dedicated to all you lovers out there.
