Composer

:

Michael Tippett

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Variations

Compose Date

:

1953

Average_duration

:

4:25

Michael Tippett's "Variations on an Elizabethan Theme" is a composition for orchestra that was completed in 1953. The piece was premiered on October 15, 1953, by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the composer himself. The work is comprised of ten variations on the theme "Sellinger's Round," a popular tune from the Elizabethan era. The theme is introduced by the woodwinds and then passed around the orchestra, with each variation showcasing different instruments and sections. The first variation is a lively and rhythmic dance, featuring the strings and percussion. The second variation is a slow and melancholic piece, featuring the solo oboe. The third variation is a playful and whimsical scherzo, featuring the woodwinds. The fourth variation is a grand and majestic march, featuring the brass. The fifth variation is a serene and peaceful adagio, featuring the strings. The sixth variation is a lively and energetic fugue, featuring the full orchestra. The seventh variation is a tender and romantic interlude, featuring the solo violin. The eighth variation is a lively and rhythmic dance, featuring the woodwinds and percussion. The ninth variation is a dramatic and intense passacaglia, featuring the full orchestra. The final variation is a triumphant and celebratory finale, featuring the full orchestra and bringing the piece to a rousing conclusion. Overall, "Variations on an Elizabethan Theme" is a masterful showcase of Tippett's skill as a composer, with each variation highlighting different aspects of the orchestra and demonstrating his ability to create a wide range of moods and emotions. The piece is a testament to Tippett's love of early music and his ability to bring it into the modern era.

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