Diamond Variations

From Wind Repertory Project
Robert Jager

Robert Jager


General Info

Year: 1968
Duration: c. 13:37
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Alfred Music
Cost: Score and Parts - Out of Print.


Instrumentation

Full Score
Condensed Score
Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Cornet I-II-III
B-flat Trumpet I-II
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Harp
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbal
  • Glockenspiel
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tam-tam
  • Timbales (4)
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

A monumental work for concert band, Diamond Variations is a set of five variations on the trio melody of the march "Illinois Loyalty." The variations are not thematic as such, but based upon fragments of the melody. There are several reasons why works become standard repertoire; one listen will tell you why this work had achieved this vaulted status.

- Program Note from publisher


Diamond Variations was composed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the University of Illinois Band. The trio of Illinois Loyalty is used as the basis of the variations, although the theme as such never appears in the set of five variations. After a short introduction based on the phrase "Alma Mater," the fragments of the march theme undergo various settings and alterations. The first variation is a grotesque dance; the second is more mysterious and sinister; the third is full of driving figures and rhythmic punctuations; the fourth is more peaceful and almost romantic; and the fifth gives almost every instrument in the band a chance to have its say about the theme. The theme almost appears in the brass near the end in an augmented, quasi-waltz setting.

Diamond Variations won the American Bandmasters Association's Ostwald Award in 1968.

- Program Note from Program Notes for Band


Awards

  • American Bandmasters Association's Ostwald Award, 1968, winner.


Media


State Ratings

  • Florida: VI
  • Georgia: VI
  • Indiana: ISSMA SENIOR BAND GROUP I
  • Kansas: VI
  • Maryland: V
  • New York: Concert Band VI
  • North Carolina: VI
  • Oklahoma: V-A
  • South Carolina: VI
  • Tennessee: VI
  • Virginia: VI


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Indiana University at South Bend Wind Symphony / Twin Cities Concert Band (Dennis Gamble, conductor) - 30 March 2019
  • Minnesota State Band (Saint Paul) (Charles Boody, conductor) - 3 December 2014


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

  • Smith, Norman E. (2002). Program Notes for Band. Chicago: GIA Publications, pp. 324
  • Jager, R. (1968). Diamond Variations: Five Variations [score]. Volkwein Bros.: Pittsburgh, Pa.