Variations on a Theme of Brahms
Victoria Bond
About this work:
Premiere: February 6, 1998 Borden Auditorium, New York City
Manhattan Philharmonia, Glen Cortese, conductor
Commentary: Composed during a summer residency at Brahmshaus in Baden-Baden, Germany on a grant from the
Brahmshausgesellschaft, these rigorously-structured variations are based on the Andante movement of Brahms' first string
sextet in B-flat major, Op. 18. Using a Brahms-sized orchestra and beginning with the original theme, the variations
combine rigorous counterpoint with a brilliant pallette of orchestral colors. The intricate formal design, which includes two
fugues and a passacaglia, also incorporates bell sounds from the neighboring church of St. Boniface, and an evocative
variation called "celestial navigation" Traditional in structure, yet contemporary in sound, this work can be appreciated by a
wide audience.
Review: "An intense, contemporary work ... musical puzzles; a collage of deconstructed and rearranged melodies and
motives."
--The Wichita Eagle
Year composed: 1997
Duration: 00:15:00
Ensemble type: Orchestra:Standard Orchestra
Instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 2 Flute, 2 Oboe, 1 English Horn, 2 Clarinet, 2 Bassoon, 1 Contrabassoon, 4 Horn in F, 3 Trumpet, 3 Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 2 Percussion (General), 22 Strings (General), 10 Violin, 5 Viola, 4 Cello, 3 Double bass
Instrumentation notes: Subito Music Corporation
Attention: David Murray
504 Bloomfield Avenue
Verona, NJ 07044
Tel: (973) 857-3440
dbm@subitomusic.com
Perusal score: subitomusic.com