Variations on a Handmade Theme
Subtitle: For Hand Clappers
General Info
Year: 1961 / 1976 / 2015
Duration: c. 2:00
Difficulty: II (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: E.B. Marks, through Subito Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $2.25
Instrumentation
Full Score
Percussion, including:
- Hand Clappers I-VIII
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
Variations on a Handmade Theme dates from 1976 and has remained one of the most popular works in Warren Benson’s oeuvre. This clapping piece is suitable for any group of musicians and makes a great companion piece to his Rondino for 8 Handclappers. In the days of COVID-19, this short composition provides a fitting conclusion to tonight’s concert.
- Program Note from Baylor University Wind Ensemble concert program, 29 March 2021
Media
- Audio: Reference recording. Georgia State University Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Robert J. Ambrose, conductor)
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
Works for Winds by This Composer
- Adagietto (1992)
- The Beaded Leaf (1974)
- Concertino for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble (1955)
- Danzon-Memory (1991)
- Daughter of the Stars (1998)
- Dawn's Early Light (1987)
- Divertissement No. 1 (1993)
- The Drums of Summer (1997)
- Ginger Marmalade (1978)
- Helix (1966)
- The Leaves Are Falling (1964)
- Mask of Night (1968)
- Meditation on “I Am for Peace” (1990)
- The Passing Bell (1974)
- Polyphonies for Percussion (1960)
- Remembrance (1962)
- Recuerdo (1966)
- Scherzo, Chorale, and Aria Serena (2002)
- Shadow Wood (1968/1993)
- The Solitary Dancer (1969)
- Star Edge (1965)
- Symphony for Drums and Wind Orchestra (1963)
- Symphony No. 2, "Lost Songs"
- Transylvania Fanfare (1953)
- Variations on a Handmade Theme (1961/1976/2015)
- Wings (1984)
Resources
- Benson, W. (1976). Variations on a Handmade Theme: For Hand Clappers [score]. Poetry of Sound: New York.
- Warren Benson website Accessed 1 April 2021