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After the relatively frivolous start from Thalia, Clio sets a much more stately tone with the opening solo guitar. Using a light 3/4 time, the Muse of history presents herself as far more majestic and dignified.
The piece then shifts from a processional entry accompanied by piano and trumpet, to a lament, of all the “evil that men do” and the inevitable repetition of mistakes throughout history.
Clio then takes on her role as story teller, with the guitar solo as narrator and a trumpet/horn duet giving their version of events too. The story unravels into one of conflict, through which Clio barely conceals her sadness, as the time of 5/8 is held in a fragile balance against the tempest of the drum solo. Clio ends as she began, with the solo voice of the guitar, but this time her veneer has all but gone and instead of seeing the noble chronicler, we see a woman of great sorrow.
Wow! that is so beautiful. I liked the piece before but now I appreciate it even more!