Variations on an Original Theme in E minor, Op. 1

SKU: HL.14010206

ISBN 9780711948723.

These variations are based on the concept of Beethoven's 32 variations in C Minor. In Beethoven's work, all the variations are eight bars long, without any changes in tempi or time signature. Each variation is complete in itself, but the variations are carefully grouped and juxtaposed to have a cummalitive effect. His individual variations are always very clearly connected with the original theme, both melodically and harmonically. Rather than occupying himself solely with decoration of the original melody, Beethoven's concern was with piano figuration and technique. In following the principles Beethoven created in this work, Elias has attempted to concern himself with the same preoccupations; by using clealy audible motifs that permit him to concentrate on writing for the instrument, and by using short, sharply defined phrases (always of eight bars) to build up a larger structure.

SKU: BT.AMP-056-140

As the title suggests, this piece comprises a set of variations on an original chorale,which is presented in the opening bars.The chorale uses the dark middle and lower sections of the band and is extended with minor variations until a pause leads to the first real variation, marked Vivo. This is in the form of a moto perpetuo. The second variation is a beautiful Andante introduced by a solo clarinet. Following a full band climax the final variation opens with quiet, nervous energy until its main theme is introduced.The chorale makes a brief appearance until the main theme reappears. This leads to a triumphant final augmented statement of the chorale theme, decorated by theflorid clarinet theme in the upper woodwinds. A dazzling new concert work.

Zoals de titel al aangeeft, bestaat het stuk uit een aantal variaties op een oorspronkelijk koraal, dat aan het begin wordt ge ntroduceerd. Het koraal, stevig verankerd in c mineur, komt naar voren in de donkere midden- en lage sectiesvan het orkest en wordt uitgebouwd met variaties in mineur, totdat een korte pauze de overgang vormt naar de eerste echte variatie, Vivo getiteld. Dit is een moto perpetuo. De tweede variatie, een krachtige Andante, introduceerteen soloklarinet. Na een climax in het hele orkest vangt de laatste variatie aan met een stille, nerveuze energie totdat het hoofdthema naar voren komt. Het koraal duikt even op totdat het hoofdthema weer verschijnt. Dit leidtnaar een glorierijke laatste reprise van het koraalthema in verbreding, omspeeld met het zwierige klarinetthema in het hoge hout. Een verbluffend nieuw concertwerk.

In drei sehr unterschiedlichen Variationen kommen in diesem Werk alle Register des Blasorchesters zum Zug: Die mittleren und tieferen Register stellen den originalen Choral in Moll vor, darauf folgt die erste, lyrische Variation im Tenorregister. Eine Solo-Klarinette präsentiert die metrische zweite Variation, abgelöst vom gesamten Blasorchester. Die hohen Holzbläser spielen eine wichtige Rolle in der dritten Variation, die zunächst verhalten einsetzt, dann aber das Werk zu einem triiumphalen Schluss führt. Ein interessantes Werk, das keine Wünsche bei Musikern oder Zuhörern offen lässt!

Chorale and Variations est une oeuvre de commande pour l’École Intercommunale de Gaillon Aubevoye en France (Dir. : Thierry Patel). Cette pièce est structurée selon la forme du choral suivi de trois variations sur le thème. Ancré dans la tonalité de Do mineur, le choral se développe dans les registres médium et grave de l’orchestre puis est élargi avec une succession de variations lyriques, florissantes, triomphantes et ornementées.

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.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.