Elegie, or elegy, refers to a song expressing sorrow or lamentation for someone deceased. More simply, a sad song. Vieuxtemp's Elegie, Op. 30 was composed in 1854 originally for viola and piano. Transcriptions by the composer for violin and cello followed. This arrangement is set for euphonium and piano. It allows the soloist to show off their beautiful tone and fluidity in expressive phrases throughout. While the piece as a whole is not technically challenging, there are moments of virtuosity that require skilled technique and delicacy for the soloist and accompanist. The cadenza and "a piacere" sections are purposefully left without directional phrasing for the soloist to develop their own interpretation. There is one brief opportunity of extending technique for the soloist to utilize multiphonics.
