Rob Goorhuis wrote his Variations on a Pentatonic Theme (1987) for the Royal Wind band of Thorn conductor Jan Cober. The work consists of five character variations on a pentatonic (five-tone) theme. The basic elements of the theme are the descending minor third and the descending major second which in the course of the composition build up to a broad melody unfolding itself in the final variation. The first variation resembles minimal music in its repetitive rhythmic motives. The second variation is explosive in character: rapid broken chords provide a background for soft solo motifs. The third variation is a quiet intermezzo on a slow chorale theme creatingtwo contrasting moods. The fourth variation is a light-hearted scherzo. The final variation is a brilliant finale with all the necessary ingredients or in the composer's words 'the works' Testpiece WMC 2005 Concert Division.
