Etude no. 4 (Tremolo Triste)

Performed by Matthew Grasso Extended 7-string guitar by Waylin Carpenter Website:matthewgrasso.com Seven Etudes for 7-String Guitar (2014) My original conception behind the Seven Etudes was to compose a set of works that an intermediate level 7-string student could master. What started out as mere technical studies for students, developed into compositional illustrations for composers of the 7-string guitar. Etude no.1 (Passacaglia) is based on a baroque form with a 4-note bass line throughout. This work is dedicated to Jeff Norris, a former 7-string student. Etude no. 2 borrows it's rhythmic roots from India. The cross rhythms in the 6 ¾ meter create tension. Etude no.3 (Lament) contains a variety of seductive chord voicings. In addition to the harmonic expansion across the seven strings, I developed a 4-string aesthetic on the 4-lower bass strings to bring many layers of orchestration. Etude no. 4 (Tremolo Triste) is dedicated to a former 7-string student (Nick Ruiz) who decided to leave his musical journey. I was sad (triste) on a level to watch him go; however, I intuitively sense he will find his path. Etude no.5 (Serenity with Grace) is about my experience with a former student Roma Parsons (passed away on Jan 18, 2014) who battled with cancer her last 6 months. During our visits, she said hearing my music was the only thing in this world that would transcend her pain. We talked much about death and dying--she was my former guitar student and I was her student concerning life and death. I composed this work for her and was able to perform it many times before the cancer took over. I asked her to name the movement; she stated it was important to die with "serenity with grace". The last phrase represents Roma ascending to the gates of Heaven. Etude no.6 (The Sleeping Bag) was inspired from a painting by the visual artist Lauren Szabo. The tenderness of a women in her cocoon being embraced by the parental energy of the blue sky and sea set the atmosphere of the music. Every harmony is related by an upward 6th or a downward 3rd. Etude no.7 (Introduction and Dance) is the final doorway of the suite. Beautiful 7th and 9th chords paint the mood of the Introduction and the Lydian Mode with syncopated rhythms helps to bring the work to a climactic conclusion. Matthew Grasso Davis, Ca May 2014