Tragical tension in a program: resolve or not?

[pianowolfi]

This is a question which appears to me after I finally got finished writing on my program with my own compositions. Now I am practising it and every day I play through the whole thing.The concept is "Styx. A long journey" It will be played as a whole, 2X40 min evening program.
 Now the problem: there is a massive overweight of tension and tragic in these pieces which does not completely resolve itself in the final piece. Will say the "Journey" has an open, undetermined ending. An ending which leaves the listener (and the performer lol) alone just a few steps away from a huge abyss. There is an amount of solution but not a complete one. And now I ask myself if this is good or not, right or not. If somebody listens concentradedly to the whole program he/she will get into thinking a lot afterwards which maybe good. Perhaps that's actually the best? To myself it has some nearly uncontrollable effects which are not all very comfortable But that comes in all probability from the closer connection I have to the pieces as they have been written by myself. Anyway I simply am NOT able to compose a piece that wipes every tear away and gives a happy ending to the whole thing. As much as I think and try out it does not work Since this whole program comes out of a very serious approach (I call it existential music, some parts are to me even more than existential, like the main piece"Styx"(Audition room)) with just some fun elements or less serious things in between it may have serious affects to a listener. Well of course I will play some tryout concerts for neighbours and friends so it can be tested. But though I would be interested what you think about this..

Best

Wolfi

[rach n bach]

I personally have no problem at all with a program not totally resolving.  Yes, the listeners might feel a little odd at the end, but they will think about it more. 

Seems like it would be traditional to "resolve," but if it is intentionally NOT done, I think it can be just as, if not more, powerful.  To me, it is not a problem to completely be absorbed in stuff like "Styx" it has a purpose, and it gets the listeners to brood.  You may want to make sure the audience understands that this is not supposed to be like the 1812 overture or anything like that, but give some backround on the piece to prep them.

And besides, Styx is still on my playlist... I'm listening to it right now!

RnB

[pianowolfi]

Cool, thank you very much R'n'B!