Libra is the seventh astrological sign in the Zodiac. It is the third sign to appear in the suite for classical guitar that I composed in 2013, called Astrological Signs.
The Astrological Sign Libra is based on the scales of justice held by Themis. These scales, in Greek mythology, represent divine law and custom. For the musical representation of Libra, I wanted a suitably noble sounding work, so I drew inspiration from the French composers.
The music starts off with swaying chords played by the guitar, reminiscent perhaps of Erik Satie's Gymnopédie. We then come to the main theme played in a minor key. The reason for this sad style is, once again, to hark back to the dreamy music of the French impressionists.
After a fast scalar run of sixteenth notes, we arrive in the middle section of the work. The dreaminess of the first section is left behind and this section builds up in agitation, dissonance and speed. This is symbolic of how the astrological sign Libra starts out as a small thing and then grows into something more powerful.
Finally we turn back to the main theme and the work ends quietly on a major chord.
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