DURATION: ca. 3’30”
Sunset is, at its core, a simple piece, but one with a long and somewhat storied development. A kind of song without words, its first iteration came in 1998 as a work for piano or guitar with strings, though Magle had completed the theme some three years earlier. An arrangement for solo piano came ten years later, with final smaller tweaks coming in 2023. This subsequent version for guitar (arranged with assistance and advice from Bozena Wetchacz and Carsten Pedersen) was completed in 2024.
A simple piece it may be, but each component that Magle includes within it is tuned to its finest. The main melody, which progresses in long, sweeping arcs over the rest of the texture, is melancholy and tender without ever drifting into the territory of kitsch or melodramatic; the undulating couplets underneath providing a gently lilting rhythmic propulsion to the work, enlivening the texture while still leaving it skeletal and fragile. The work’s harmonies are tonal but decidedly Romantic and often rely on extensions and inversions, with the resulting mood being simultaneously emotive and
unsettled.
While Sunset begins unassumingly enough, a wistful air permeating the sound, it starts to stir – the bassline intensifies and the texture fills out more. A secondary countermelody engages the principal theme in a mournful counterpoint. From there it develops further, but the harmonies start to jar – the sun may be going down, but there seems to be, to paraphrase Dylan Thomas, a certain sense of rage against the dying of the light. We come to the work’s climax, a reiteration of the first theme with fuller-bodied chords and expressive melodic variation – but it is in vain. The struggle conceded, we lose our grounding, and a final haunting rendition of the theme at the highest reaches of the composition leads us away. The sun has set, and we are left
staring into the stars.
notes: Acorus Calamus
(Sunset is also available for solo piano)
John (verified owner) –
Nice piece
Giancarlo Colleoni (verified owner) –
Brano raffinato e molto melodico vagamente malinconico.
Pascal St-Gelais (verified owner) –
Nice piece, nice score
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Fingerings for guitar are missing
frederikmagle (store manager) –
Fingerings are now included and available for existing customers to download as well.
Van Tan Pham (verified owner) –
Walter (verified owner) –
Eugenio Pintado León (verified owner) –
Giovanni Simone (verified owner) –
Buying the score was very easy. Received immediately. The printing is very well done.
Riku Rantanen (verified owner) –
Hi, I like the song much, it had got a nice, charming and a little melancholy, mesmerizing melody. For a self learned, not so skilful guitarist, I find the beginning bit hard – the bass b, how to succeed to have it last so long… Perhaps the finger notations would help. But to be honest, I haven’t had time enough these days fully concentrate to learn it yet, but definately in the bucket list!
Blessings,
frederikmagle (store manager) –
Hello Riku, thank you! I’m happy you like it. I’m glad to let you know that a version with fingerings is now available and can be downloaded by both new and existing customers.
Wolfgang (verified owner) –
Poul (verified owner) –
I actually haven’t played it yet…5 points for “the package”…the video, the shop and the pretty layout.
Ali H. (verified owner) –
“Sunset” is a beautiful classical guitar piece that truly captures the essence of a sunset. The gentle melodies and harmonious flow create a peaceful, captivating atmosphere. It’s accessible yet rewarding to play, with a depth that keeps me coming back. Highly recommended for anyone looking to add a calming, soulful piece to their repertoire.
Nick Clarke (verified owner) –
What a beautiful piece of music, a bit harder than I thought it would be, quite a few stretches for my old tendons and bones! But thoroughly enjoying working on it!!
Vladislovas Ž. (verified owner) –
I am a musics teacher, this piece was exactly what my students needed. It is simple but nice. Thank you!
Erik R. (verified owner) –
Nice piece but… no fingering suggestions for guitar.
frederikmagle (store manager) –
Hello Erik, I’m glad you like Sunset! I’m happy to let you know that fingerings have now been included, and the updated sheet music is available for download to both new and existing customers.
Andrew (verified owner) –
Very beautiful music, quick, efficient service
Georgios M. (verified owner) –