Variations on a Chord - Jan de Haan

Variations on a Chord was composed on the occasion of the second lustrum of the Dutch Brass Band Championships celebrated in 1990. The piece is the immediate sequel to Contrasten a piece which was composed in 1986, and which is performed all over the world. Not only was the final chord of this previous work used as a starting point for the new composition, but Variations on a Chord is also the first concert piece for brass band composed by Jan de Haan since then. The several variations are based on a solemn theme. The so-called minor-major seventh chord is easily detectable. The structure of the piece is such that the lyrical theme is preceded by a majestic introduction, and isfollowed by eight variations each strongly contrasting in character. The piece finishes in a short but extremely spectacular coda.

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Variations on a French Folksong - John DeBee

Qu'est ce que c'est? The most famous French folksong, but now in curious varieties and some of them sometimes almost unrecognizable.

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Variations on a Ninth - Gilbert Vinter

Variations on a Shaped Note Melody - James Curnow

Based on the American 'shaped-note' melody Saints Bound for Heaven, Variations on a Shaped Note Melody by James Curnow captures a feeling of joyful celebration through a series of unique and skilfully adapted variations. The opening strains are actually fragments of the first variation and occur before the main tune is introduced by low brass. The second variation features a euphonium solo and builds to a glorious climax with the full ensemble. The final variation is joyful and filled with energy, using flourishes and fanfares throughout the band for a grand conclusion to this marvellous work.

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Variations On A Swiss Song - Kurt Brogli - Jirka Kadlec

Variations on a theme By Haydn - Johannes Brahms

Variations on a Tyrolean Theme - Jean-Baptiste Arban - Mark Freeh

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Variations on an Enigma - Philip Sparke

Variations on Shalom Chaverim - Andreas Ludwig Schulte

Shalom Chaverim is an ancient Hebrew (farewell)song, which was originally sung at the end of a celebration or meeting. It was and is mostly sung as a round. Freely translated the words mean "Goodbye, friends, goodbye and see you again!". The varying moods at a parting have been captured very well by Andreas Schulte in his arrangement 'Variations on Shalom Chaverim'. The composer himself says about the song, 'Although the melody is in a minor key, the overall atmosphere in the song is positive. one wishes each other all the best. Saying goodbye, however, also hurts. When you slow down the pace of the melody and add 'blue notes' in the harmonies, this can be sensed immediately.'Schulte refers here to the first variation. The second variation is very intense with possibly even deeper-felt emotions. 'Variations on Shalom Chaverim' ends on a cheerful and positive note, in fast tempo, and with oriental elements in the melody: 'L'hitra'ot, Shalom' (See you again, and farewell!).

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Variations on the Shining River - Frank Wright