/ Piano
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: HL.4008644
ISBN 9798350115024. UPC: 196288189695.
The Passacaglia is a set of instrumental variations based on an ostinato bass. Bach's Passacaglia and Fugue in C-minor for organ represents the pinnacle of what had been achieved in this compositional form at that time. In Franco Cesarini’s arrangement for large wind orchestra, the particularly careful interpretation of the original piece enables him to exploit all the sound colors at his disposal, and in this sumptuous guise Bach's work also takes on a grandiose dimension, albeit tinged with late-Romanticism. The exposition of the beautiful theme begins in the bass part, immediately creating a solemn and serious atmosphere which is accentuated by the intensely pathetic character of the first variations. Up to the tenth variation it remains confined to the bass, but in subsequent ones it also passes to the soprano and alto register. The integrity of the theme is also embellished with elegant arpeggios, in whose lower and higher extensions the theme can be distinguished. Towards the end it returns to the bass in an impressive thickening of the polyphonic texture that swiftly re-establishes the key of C-minor. The “Thema fugatum†which follows immediately does not constitute a Fugue in its own right, rather it is nothing but the twenty-first and most extensive variation of the Passacaglia. This time Bach uses only the first half of the theme, superimposing a rhythmic countersubject that considerably enlivens the entire development of the composition. The polyphonic discourse becomes increasingly dense, until the building tension peaks in a powerful “Neapolitan sixth†chord, followed by a sudden pause. This culminating moment then leads to the coda and final cadence on a bright C-major chord.
SKU: HL.48180210
UPC: 888680794859. 9x12 inches.
French organist and composer, Marcel Dupré (1886-1971) is also remembered as a significant pedagogue. However, his prominence within the organ repertoire remains absolute with sublime works, including his Variations on a Noel. Dupré studied at the Paris Conservatoire with Louis Vierne and Charles-Marie Widor, where he won prizes for piano, organ and fugue, as well as the Grand Prix de Rome. He was a famous organ virtuoso and was able to perform the entire works composed for the instrument by J. S. Bach from memory. Dupré's Op. 20, the Variations on a Noel for organ was composed in 1922. It is based on an old Noel (Pastorale) in D minor. The variations displays contrast through tonality, rhythm, timbre and harmony, among other aspects. Dupré's compositions and didactic works remain important to organists today and his Variations on a Noel is no exception.
SKU: TM.07374SET
P/C in set. Ed. by Mouten. Orchestrated from the original Prelude, Fugue and Variations originally scored for organ. This version does not contain the Fugue portion.
SKU: HL.48184810
UPC: 888680797010. 9.25x12.25x0.096 inches.
Odile Pierre: Variations et Fugue sur trois Noëls de Normandie (Organ).
SKU: KN.19691
UPC: 822795196917.
In this challenging duet, a simple fugue is taken through a series of intriguing variations. Midway through the piece, a brief improvisation for each player provides an opportunity to show off their musical creativity and technical strength. Both parts call for four timpani (G, C, D and G), and each set includes two copies of the 2-line score. Duration 3:15.
