Composer

:

Charles Villiers Stanford

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1898

Average_duration

:

26:02

Movement_count

:

13

Movement ....

Concert Variations upon an English Theme Down Among the Dead Men, Op. 71 is a composition for orchestra by Charles Villiers Stanford. It was composed in 1903 and premiered on October 22, 1903, at the Queen's Hall in London, conducted by the composer himself. The piece consists of a theme and variations based on the English folk song "Down Among the Dead Men." The theme is presented in a slow and stately manner, with the melody played by the strings and woodwinds. The variations that follow are diverse in character and mood, ranging from lively and playful to somber and introspective. The first variation features a lively and rhythmic melody played by the woodwinds, while the second variation is more subdued and introspective, with a solo violin playing a mournful melody. The third variation is a scherzo, with a fast and playful melody played by the entire orchestra. The fourth variation is a slow and lyrical adagio, with a solo cello playing a beautiful melody. The fifth variation is a fugue, with the theme presented in a contrapuntal manner. The sixth variation is a lively and energetic scherzo, with a fast and playful melody played by the entire orchestra. The seventh variation is a slow and introspective adagio, with a solo clarinet playing a mournful melody. The final variation is a grand and triumphant finale, with the entire orchestra playing a majestic and powerful rendition of the theme. The piece ends with a coda, with the melody played by the brass section in a grand and majestic manner. Overall, Concert Variations upon an English Theme Down Among the Dead Men, Op. 71 is a masterful composition that showcases Stanford's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its diverse range of moods and emotions, as well as its intricate and complex orchestration. It remains a popular and beloved work in the orchestral repertoire.

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