Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Variations

Compose Date

:

1960

Average_duration

:

12:26

Movement_count

:

12

Movement ....

Ralph Vaughan Williams composed his 'Variations for Orchestra' in 1957, and it was premiered on October 17th of the same year by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the composer himself. The work consists of a theme and 11 variations, with a total duration of approximately 20 minutes. The theme is a simple, folk-like melody in D major, which is introduced by the strings and then taken up by the woodwinds. The first variation is a lively scherzo, featuring the brass and percussion, while the second variation is a gentle, pastoral interlude for the strings. The third variation is a lively dance in 6/8 time, featuring the woodwinds and brass, while the fourth variation is a slow, mournful adagio for the strings. The fifth variation is a lively fugue, featuring the full orchestra, while the sixth variation is a gentle, lyrical interlude for the woodwinds. The seventh variation is a lively scherzo, featuring the brass and percussion once again, while the eighth variation is a slow, contemplative adagio for the strings. The ninth variation is a lively dance in 6/8 time, featuring the woodwinds and brass once again, while the tenth variation is a gentle, pastoral interlude for the strings. The final variation is a lively, triumphant finale, featuring the full orchestra in a grand, celebratory statement of the theme. Throughout the work, Vaughan Williams employs his characteristic use of modal harmonies and folk-like melodies, as well as his skillful orchestration and use of counterpoint. The work is notable for its balance of lively, energetic movements and more contemplative, introspective moments, as well as its overall sense of unity and coherence.

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