Editor: Moeller, JohannesPreface: Edskes, Tom / Guitare
SKU: BR.MR-2259
ISBN 9790004488058. 9 x 12 inches.
In spite of his more than 200 works, Andreas Spath remains a minor figure in Romantic music. But this is of little concern to today’s clarinetists, who can now enjoy his idiomatic "Variations on a Theme by Mozart" op. 104. Just as Beethoven before him and many other composers of his own time and later, Spath chooses the duet "Bei Mannern, welche Liebe fuhlen," a popular theme from the then still very successful Magic Flute, and leads it knowledgeably through all of the clarinet’s registers. The new edition is based on the first print, published during Spath’s lifetime.
SKU: CF.YPS140
ISBN 9780825895708. UPC: 798408095703. 9 x 12 inches. Key: Bb major.
Based on Streets of Laredo, the popular cowboy ballad from the American West, composer Richard Summers has crafted a delightful set of variations. After a bold fanfare introduction, the theme is stated in a lush chorale setting. The piece then goes through several variations that utilize the theme in unique rhythmic and harmonic ways.
SKU: CF.YPS140F
ISBN 9780825896323. UPC: 798408096328. 9 x 12 inches.
SKU: PR.ZM27460
UPC: 680160652754.
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: CF.FAS83
ISBN 9780825894572. UPC: 798408094577. 9 x 12 inches. Key: D major.
Williamsburg Variations takes an original theme reminiscent of songs from early nineteenth-century America, and develops it over several variations into a variety of styles. A great introduction to the idea of theme and variations, this will make your developing orchestra sound great at any festival.This composition was inspired by a visit to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. The opening theme is reminiscent of a hymn of the eighteenth century with a hint of Chester in mm. 5 and 15. The variations are indicative of the hustle and bustle of colonial life that required a strong work ethic to survive, and the fife and drums variation shows a glimpse of Yankee Doodle in mm. 34-44. The theme should be played as a legato chorale. The variations are to be played with energy and the D Major Key will enhance that style. In mm. 34-44 the viola, cello and bass quarter notes should be short and accented to imitate field drums.The unison violins are the fifes in this fife-and-drum section. The final variation at m. 52 is a combination of three prior melodies so all lines are equally important.The melodic and moving parts create interest in all the instruments and should provide for an excellent festival or contest piece. I hope your students enjoy playing this music.
