Lament for Shirley by Colin Bell

Lament for Shirley is Colin Bell’s musical tribute to his grandmother, Shirley Bell, and through a variety of musical moods this piece reflects the deep, meaningful, and accomplished life she lived. Throughout the work, there is a strong sense of nostalgia and recollection, mostly attributed to the free and wistful nature of the musical material but also to the harmonic content used within the piece.

The overall pacing of the piece is free and dreamy, with each varied section flowing into the next as if representing a different period of Shirley’s life. This intermediate-level piece allows for the performer to interpret pedaling and dampening at will. It would make a great counterpoint to any solo recital, especially where a moment of reflection or reverence is needed.