Rachmaninov, Symphony No 1, end of fourth movement

[avevale_intelligencer]

...On the screen, the two brothers are fighting on the stone steps, blades flashing and clashing in the torchlight, scurrying strings and high trumpets in the background. Slowly the red-haired one is driven back down the steps, across the hall, into the throne room itself.

It is all over with shocking suddenness. Red Hair rallies, drives his dark brother against the wall, the music rises to a climax and halts breathlessly as Black Hair looks down at the dagger embedded in his bosom, and back at his brother's face, pain and shock replacing the rage behind his eyes. He sags against the wall, and his left hand clutches at the blue crystal amulet on its chain around his neck.

Red Hair turns from him, as the curtains part soundlessly to reveal the huge, barbaric black metal throne, the light glinting dully from its edges. The music is slow, dirgelike, as he advances towards the throne, his face rapt in wonder at the realisation of his ambition, the culmination of his dark and bloody career.

Behind him a figure rises, glowing from within with eerie blue radiance. Black Hair's face is contorted with agony as he reaches out and takes his brother by the neck, sending blue lightning searing through his body. Red Hair stiffens, bucking and jerking spasmodically, as Black Hair lifts him effortlessly one-handed and holds him there, eyes fixed on the goal he will never attain. The last of the life is driven from Red Hair's body, and Black Hair casts it aside, his own eyes turned towards the throne.

But his own strength has failed him, the borrowed power waning, fading. He falls, first to his knees, then to his belly, but still he crawls forward, one hand desperately outstretched. If he could only touch the throne...but the sorcerous light within him flickers out, and he lies still. Gongs and brass blare out the opening theme as the malignant black throne broods over its two victims, and with two curt final chords, the stage goes black and applause erupts from the speakers.

Tollain turns from the screen. Tears are shining on his cheeks.

"I never get tired of that ending," he says.

Comments

[callylevy.livejournal.com]

Oh, I liked this. Thank you for sharing it.

[zanda-myrande.livejournal.com]

Always a pleasure. Have you heard the music?