Symphonic Variations

SKU: BT.DHP-0960790-010

This composition is based on a passacaglia theme, in which artistic perfection, symphonic drama and oriental melody lines play a role. The passacaglia is originally a dance made up of a series of variations above a bass line constantly present as an ostinato. It is not in this sense that the Symphonic Variations are in the passacaglia form but in the sense of the open form of the variations. Jacob de Haan, himself originally an organist, took his inspiration for this piece from the famous passacaglia for organ in C-minor by J.S. Bach. Following the introduction of the passacaglia theme (in the bass) the entry by the trumpets and trombones forms the majestic start to amusical adventure, in which this theme (often fragmentary) returns in variations. Then there follow two faster movements with dramatic contrasts and virtuose passages. Particularly striking here is the use of two characteristic intervals from the beginning of the theme namely the minor second and the augmented fourth. An apause in the composition comes in the slow bridge where a syncopated bourdon (perfect fifth) is constantly repeated. The tension grows in dynamics and harmony, and the oriental-flavour becomes obvious in the melody. We arrive at a faster movement via an accelerando, in which a perpetuum mobile based on the passacaglia theme is central. Finally the whole flows into a martial theme, in which the ostinato accompaniment n the descant derives from the passacaglia theme.

SKU: HL.14035403

UPC: 884088810498. 11.0x17.0x0.129 inches.

SKU: CN.S11066

The opening theme, stated in a Maestoso unison, provides the musical kernel for the entire work. The composer cleverly exploits all the rhythmic possibilities inherent within the chosen theme to provide a piece which is serious enough for detailed study and Festival usage, yet entertaining at the same time.

Symphonic Variations was commissioned by Swindon Young Musicians' Club with funds provided by the W H Smith Arts Programme, and first performed by Swindon Young Musicians, conducted by Bramwell Tovey, at the Wyvern Theatre on January 29, 1989. The opening theme, stated in a Maestoso unison, provides the musical kernel for the entire work. The composer cleverly exploits all the rhythmic possibilities inherent within the chosen theme to provide a piece which is serious enough for detailed study and Festival usage, yet entertaining at the same time.

SKU: CN.R10066

The opening theme, stated in a Maestoso unison, provides the musical kernel for the entire work. The composer cleverly exploits all the rhythmic possibilities inherent within the chosen theme to provide a piece which is serious enough for detailed study and Festival usage, yet entertaining at the same time.

Symphonic Variations was commissioned by Swindon Young Musicians' Club with funds provided by the W H Smith Arts Programme, and first performed by Swindon Young Musicians, conducted by Bramwell Tovey, at the Wyvern Theatre on January 29, 1989. The opening theme, stated in a Maestoso unison, provides the musical kernel for the entire work. The composer cleverly exploits all the rhythmic possibilities inherent within the chosen theme to provide a piece which is serious enough for detailed study and Festival usage, yet entertaining at the same time.

SKU: CL.CTS-8041-00

Symphonic Variations on In Dulci Jubilo promotes joy and celebration. ‘In Dulci Jubilo’ is Latin for ‘in sweet rejoicing’. The lovely choral beginning features the familiar carol Good Christian Men, Rejoice, and forms the groundwork for this unique setting of this timeless traditional Christmas carol. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as thirteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound. *The posted recording is based on the full band scoring but aligns with the suggested preferences for either woodwinds/strings or brass suggested in the score.

SKU: CL.CTS-8041-01

Symphonic Variations on In Dulci Jubilo promotes joy and celebration. â??In Dulci Jubiloâ?? is Latin for â??in sweet rejoicingâ??. The lovely choral beginning features the familiar carol Good Christian Men, Rejoice, and forms the groundwork for this unique setting of this timeless traditional Christmas carol. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as thirteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound. *The posted recording is based on the full band scoring but aligns with the suggested preferences for either woodwinds/strings or brass suggested in the score.

SKU: HL.8720051

UPC: 073999715651. 9.0x12.0x0.04 inches.

MusicWorks – Grade 4 First published in 1989, this work from the late Calvin Custer epitomizes his command of orchestration and understanding of musical pacing. The familiar folk melody is stated first by a solo flute then followed by a remarkable series of variations starting with a brass choir accompanied by woodwind flourishes. An Andante variation features the woodwind choir accompanying solos by baritone and oboe, and this leads to a striking fugue variation and bold finish. Truly symphonic band writing at its best. (4:45).

SKU: CL.CTS-7740-00

Lyrical woodwind solos open this masterwork followed by brass solos and Inventive variations on a popular folk hymn. Smith has created an exceptional piece for advanced wind ensembles perfect for concerts or festivals.

SKU: CL.CTS-8044-00

Amazing Grace is one of the most well-known spiritual songs known to date. Claude T. Smith cleverly created this band setting forming variations throughout. With Smith’s passing in December of 1987, this was one of the final works he produced. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as fourteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound. *The posted recording is based on the full band scoring but aligns with the suggested preferences for either woodwinds/strings or brass suggested in the score.

SKU: CL.CTS-8044-01

Amazing Grace is one of the most well-known spiritual songs known to date. Claude T. Smith cleverly created this band setting forming variations throughout. With Smith’s passing in December of 1987, this was one of the final works he produced. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as fourteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound. *The posted recording is based on the full band scoring but aligns with the suggested preferences for either woodwinds/strings or brass suggested in the score.

SKU: CL.CTS-7740-01

Lyrical woodwind solos open this masterwork followed by brass solos and Inventive variations on a popular folk hymn. Smith has created an exceptional piece for advanced wind ensembles perfect for concerts or festivals.

SKU: BT.CMP-0173-98-010

An excellent work for contest and festival use! Based on the ancient hymn, All Glory, Laud and Honor, Acclamation is composed as a set of symphonic variations. After an opening fanfare and a statement of the theme, three large variations in different styles are developed. A final maestoso presentation of the principal theme is restated as a glorious acclamation. Dedicated to all those who offer their time and talents to making music!

In Acclamation beweist James Curnow sein Talent, im ‚Thema- und Variationsstil‘ zu schreiben. Acclamation basiert auf dem Choral zur Gabenbereitung O Gott nimm an die Gaben. James Curnow schrieb dieses Werk für alle, die wie er der Musik Zeit und Talent widmen wollen.

Avec Acclamation, le compositeur américain James Curnow démontre son habileté manier la forme thème et variations”. Acclamation développe la mélodie du cantique allemand O Gott nimm an die Gaben (Seigneur, reçois favorablement nos offrandes). Cette pièce est dédiée tous ceux qui consacrent leur temps et leur talent la musique.

SKU: SU.80602810

Parts on rental from Theodore PresserSymphonic Band Composed: 2009 Published by: Evan Hause.

SKU: HL.44007487

UPC: 884088256036. 9x12 inches. English-German-French-Dut ch.

Symphonic Metamorphosis was commissioned by the Sierra Vista High School Symphonic Band, Las Vegas (NV). The composer was given free hand to choose the style of the new commission and originally planned to use the opportunity to fulfil a long-held ambition to write a set of variations on the famous chorale from Saint-Saens' Third Symphony (Organ); in beginning work he was so moved by the work's highlights that he decided to include more than just the chorale melody. Therefore, while Symphonic Metamorphosis starts out as an original set of variations for concert band, it is gradually subsumed by other elements in the symphony (particularly the slow movement), and the piece closes with a finale that has been reorganized and rescored from the majestic closing pages of the symphony.

SKU: CN.S11254

Full of intrigue and mystery, Variations on a Bass Theme is a treat for the ears. A plethora of thematic material emerges out of tuba section in the opening bar, creating the jumping off point for the whole work. Lloyd takes the listener down numerous unexpected paths, conjuring many visual images along the way as if watching a movie.

Variations on a Bass Theme was written in 1986 for brass band and the original version was titled Diversions on a Bass Theme. The composer himself wrote: This piece is a set of variations. Traditionally variations were what they said they were, i.e. a given tune was treated in a variety of ways. The pattern of this work is made the other way round: a number of tunes grow out of the first bar, played by the tubas, which provide the motif for the whole work. Arranger's Note: The suggestion to arrange the work for symphonic wind band came from George Lloyd: he felt the piece lent itself to such transcription and asked if I would be interested in undertaking it. Interestingly, he always referred to the piece as his Variations on a Bass Theme and I have reflected this in the title of this concert band version. In all other respects the work is exactly as George Lloyd wrote it.

SKU: HL.14028042

ISBN 9788759810668.

Rude rs writes: There's a solid tradition in the history of Western music of turning the theme of Nicolo Paganini's 24th Caprice for soloviolin into a set of variations endemic to the time and style of each individual composer; Liszt, Brahms, Rachmaninov and Lutoslawsky being the most prominent names. When asked by David Starobin to write a concerto for him, I though well, why not have a go at it? - bearing in mind, that not only is Paganini the most celebrated violin-wizard of all times, but he was also a more than accomplished guitarist. There are 22 variations in all, numbers 1 to 16 all adhering strictly to the 16-bar pattern, laid down by Paganini himself. From variation 17 though, the writing becomes more symphonic and the rigid 16-bar regime is being lossendes up a bit. However, the last variation 'Finale Prestisimo' is a 6 x 16 bars white-knuckle ride, in which the hitherto soloistic role of the guitar gives way to that of 'primus interpares', i.e. 'first among equals'. As with another set of variations of mine 'Concerto on Pieces' (based on a tune by Purcell), the nature and shape of the 'Pagannini-Variations' may be compared to a stroll through a hall of mirrors: the portrait - the theme is gradually being distorted out of all recognition - but it's still the same original walking by.