Variation Overture (flex)
Clifton Williams (arr. Clarence Barber)
General Info
Year: 1961 / 2021
Duration: c. 6:40
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Ludwig Masters, through Keiser Southern Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $65.00 | Score Only (print) - $13.00
Instrumentation (Flexible)
Full Score
Part 1
- Flute
- Oboe
- B-flat Soprano Clarinet
- B-flat Trumpet
- Violin
Part 2
- B-flat Soprano Clarinet
- E-flat Alto Saxophone
- B-flat Trumpet
- Violin
Part 3
- B-flat Soprano Clarinet
- E-flat Alto Clarinet
- E-flat Alto Saxophone
- B-flat Tenor Saxophone
- Horn in F
- Violin
- Viola
Part 4
- Bassoon
- B-flat Tenor Saxophone
- Trombone
- Euphonium
- Horn in F
- Cello
Part 5
- Bassoon
- B-flat Bass Clarinet
- E-flat Baritone Saxophone
- Trombone
- Euphonium
- Tuba
- Cello
Timpani
Percussion, including:
- Bass Drum
- Chimes
- Crash Cymbals
- Orchestra Bells
- Snare Drum
- Suspended Cymbal
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
(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
Works for Winds by This Composer
Adaptable Music
- Variation Overture (Flex instrumentation) (arr. Barber) (1962/2021)
All Wind Works
- Academic Procession (1961)
- Air Force Band of the West March (1965)
- Anitra's Tanz (as arranger) (1875/1965)
- Arioso (1958)
- Caccia and Chorale (1976)
- Castle Gap (1964)
- Concertino (1960)
- Dedicatory Overture (1964)
- Dramatic Essay (1958)
- Fanfare and Allegro (1956)
- Festival (1962)
- The Hermitage (1976)
- Hill Country Ballad (1953)
- Killian March (1968)
- Laredo (1964)
- March Lamar (1966)
- Pandéan Fable (1970)
- Pastorale (1957)
- The Patriots (1970)
- Postwar Prelude (1943/2012)
- The Ramparts (1967)
- The Sinfonians (1960)
- A Solemn Fugue (1958)
- Sonata Allegro (1949/2012)
- Songs of Heritage (1976/1999)
- Strategic Air Command (1964)
- Symphonic Dance No. 1, "Comanche Ritual" (tr. McBeth) (1965/2013)
- Symphonic Dance No. 2, "The Maskers" (1964/1968)
- Symphonic Dance No. 3, "Fiesta" (1964/1967)
- Symphonic Dance No. 4, "Square Dance"
- Symphonic Dance No. 5, "New Generation" (1965/2013)
- Symphonic Essays (1963/2013)
- Symphonic Suite (1956)
- Variation Overture (1962)
- Variation Overture (Flex instrumentation) (arr. Barber) (1962/2021)
Resources
- Creative Repertoire Initiative
- 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