Viewing Single Post From: James Barnes

Viewing Single Post From: James Barnes
kwan	Nov 15 2004, 03:29 PM
Secretary Posts: 154 Group: Helpers Member #206 Joined: November 13, 2004	Fantasy Variations, On a Theme by Niccolo Paganini This tour de force is based on the famous 24th Caprice by Niccolo Paganini which has been used by many composers including Brahms and Rachmaninoff. The work was done on commission from the U.S. Marine Band and it features every section of the band on one of the twenty variations the composer used. There is even one for percussion only which is fun to play and will keep a large section on its toes. I have found a few of the very slow variations to be somewhat tedious and difficult to make musically interesting for the audience. It is possible to cut a variation or two if you find the work too long. This edition has no cues in the parts and if you need to cover the Eb contra alto clarinet or English horn solos with another instrument, you will need to write out the parts. The 22 bar introduction is followed by the oboe statement of the theme leading into variation I. This is a full bodied statement of the theme with a few embellishments. Variation IV features flutes and piccolos in a sparkling display of dexterity. Variation IX features bass clarinet and bassoons along with some interesting French horn background. We found variation XI for cornets and trumpets one of the most exciting sections of the composition. Variation XVI is highlighted with a beautiful English horn solo which you could score for alto saxophone if you do not have the English horn. The final variation (XX) serves as a recapitulation of the theme for the full ensemble. I find especially noteworthy the detailed indications in the parts and the score such as pull mutes, release snares, etc. In the percussion variation the composer has worked out every detail of the "road map" each player must take. This most worthwhile addition to the concert band literature is one which every grade V & VI band should have in its library. It's a work you can keep in the folios and use any extra rehearsal time to read sections of for your band's enjoyment. If you never have the opportunity to perform the entire work in concert, it will still be worth the joy of having been exposed to a most interesting treatment of this famous Paganini Caprice. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.music.vt.edu/outreach/vmea/1990...no1/review.html


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