Variations on a Theme by Haydn (Thompson)

From Wind Repertory Project
Johannes Brahms

Johannes Brahms (trans. Ray Thompson)


Subtitle: also k/a St.Anthony Variations Op.56a/b - arranged Symphonic Wind


General Info

Year: 1873 / 2018
Duration: c. 20:00
Difficulty: VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Symphony Orchestra
Publisher: RayThompsonMusic
Cost: Score and Parts (digital) - $19.95


Movements

Theme. Chorale St. Antoni. Andante
Variation I. Poco più animato (Andante con moto)
Variation II. Più vivace (Vivace)
Variation III. Con moto
Variation IV. Andante con moto (Andante)
Variation V. Vivace (Poco presto)
Variation VI. Vivace
Variation VII. Grazioso
Variation VIII. Presto non troppo (Poco presto)
Finale. Andante


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II
Bassoon I-II
Horn in F I-II
String Bass (optional)


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The Theme, Variations and Finale arranged for wind dectet.(decet or double wind dectet) and optional double bass/tuba.

-Program Note from publisher


The Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn, (German: Variationen über ein Thema von Jos. Haydn), now also called the Saint Anthony Variations, is a work in the form of a theme and variations, composed by Johannes Brahms in the summer of 1873 at Tutzing in Bavaria. It consists of a theme in B♭ major based on a "Chorale St Antoni", eight variations, and a finale. The work was published in two versions: for two pianos, written first but designated Op. 56b; and for orchestra, designated Op. 56a.

The orchestral version is better known and much more often heard than the two-piano version. It is often said to be the first independent set of variations for orchestra in the history of music,[1] although there is at least one earlier piece in the same form, Antonio Salieri's Twenty-six Variations on 'La folia di Spagna' written in 1815.[citation needed]

Brahms's orchestral variations are scored for piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, contrabassoon, 4 horns (2 in E♭, 2 in B♭), 2 trumpets, timpani, triangle, and the normal string section of first and second violins, violas, cellos and double basses. The piece usually takes about 18 minutes to perform.

The first performance of the orchestral version was given on 2 November 1873 by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under Brahms's baton.

tuba.

- Program Note by Wikipedia


Media

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources