Nightfall at the Old Castle: Neo-Medieval Piano Fantasy

[Nudist Elegan]

Hello,

a couple of days ago I polished up an old piece that I wrote almost 15 years ago. My source of inspiration was Schloss Burg an der Wupper, a medieval castle complex originally built in the 12th century near Solingen (Western Germany).

Strictly speaking, a medieval piano piece is a paradox in itself, simply because of the instrument. Nevertheless, I tried to incorporate stylistic elements that are perceived as typically medieval today: parallel fifths and fourths, use of church modes (especially Phrygian), 6/8 time, dotted rhythms, constant pulse of quarter and eighth notes, stepwise progression, root-heavy harmonies, etc.

From a music history perspective, very little of this is actually authentic, but that wasn't my intention. The main focus was on the effect. I'd be interested to hear what you think about it. 

 

https://youtu.be/uuqujiGUywM

Edited October 24, 2025 by Nudist Elegan