Variation Overture

From Wind Repertory Project
This work has been identified for inclusion in the Small Band Repertoire Initiative. You may find discussion of the work's challenges and merits under the Discussion tab above. You may also contribute your own thoughts and recommendations by joining the WRP.


Clifton Williams

Clifton Williams


General Info

Year: 1962
Duration: c. 6:40
Difficulty: II (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Ludwig Masters
Cost: Score and Parts - $55.00   |   Score Only - $12.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II-III
Oboe I-II
Bassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contra-alto 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
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Euphonium
Trombone I-II-III
Basses
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion, including:


  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Snare Drum


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

From its premiere years ago, Variation Overture has been a classic and hugely successful publication. Presented as a concert overture, the theme and variations are immensely enjoyable to perform and to hear, time and time again. The level of difficulty is deceiving as the work sounds more difficult than, technically, it is.

- Program Note from publisher


It is a relatively recent phenomenon for a composer of major stature to write music for instrumental ensembles utilizing mature techniques of composition within a simple framework and well within the performance capabilities of young student musicians. Williams has done an admirable job of achieving such a goal in this composition. The basic thematic material consists of the first three notes of the major scale. The three tones are skillfully woven into the composition so that one never forgets them but never tires of hearing them. It is a delightful piece for young players and for young-at-heart audiences.

- Program Note from Program Notes for Band


Media


State Ratings

  • Alabama: Class CC
  • Arkansas: II
  • Georgia: IV
  • Iowa: II
  • Indiana: ISSMA SENIOR BAND GROUP III
  • Louisiana: II
  • Maryland: III
  • Massachusetts: IV
  • Michigan: Senior High C
  • Minnesota: III
  • Mississippi: III-A
  • New York: Concert Band IV
  • North Carolina: IV
  • Oklahoma: II-A
  • South Carolina: IV
  • Tennessee: III
  • Texas: II. Complete
  • Virginia: III


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • California State University Northridge Wind Symphony (Lawrence Stoffel, conductor) - 28 February 2023
  • University of Nebraska (Lincoln) Lentz Concert Band (Douglas W. Bush, conductor) - 25 April 2021
  • Loveland (Colo.) High School Concert Band (Kyle Freesen, conductor) – 2 March 2020
  • Granite Ridge Intermediate School (Fresno, Calif.) Symphonic Band (Jose Vargas, conductor) - 15 February 2019 (2019 CASMEC Conference, Fresno)
  • Ohio University (Athens) University Band (Joshua Boyer, conductor) – 27 March 2018
  • Hartwick College (Oneonta, N.Y.) Wind Ensemble (Andrew Pease, conductor) – 16 November 2017
  • University of Louisville Concert Band, Jason Cumberledge, conductor - April 17, 2017
  • Notre Dame (IKB) High School Band (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) - May 2013


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Miles, Richard B., and Larry Blocher. 2002. Teaching Music Through Performance in Band. Volume 4. Chicago: GIA Publications. pp. 243-252.
  • Smith, Norman E. (2002). Program Notes for Band. Chicago: GIA Publications. pp. 648
  • Williams, C. (1962). Variation Overture [score]. Ludwig Music: Cleveland, Ohio.