Composer

:

Peter Dickinson

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Rag

Compose Date

:

1985

Average_duration

:

2:29

'Hymn-Tune Rag' is a composition by British composer Peter Dickinson. It was composed in 1970 and premiered the same year at the Cheltenham Festival. The piece is a set of variations on the hymn tune "Londonderry Air," also known as "Danny Boy." The composition is divided into four movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is a straightforward presentation of the hymn tune, with a simple piano accompaniment. The second movement is a lively ragtime variation, with syncopated rhythms and playful melodies. The third movement is a slow, contemplative variation, with a more complex harmonic structure and a sense of introspection. The final movement is a fast and energetic variation, with a driving rhythm and virtuosic piano writing. One of the most striking characteristics of 'Hymn-Tune Rag' is its fusion of traditional hymnody with popular music styles. The use of the "Londonderry Air" as the basis for the composition gives it a sense of familiarity and nostalgia, while the ragtime and jazz influences bring a fresh and modern energy to the piece. The variations themselves are also highly varied in style and mood, showcasing Dickinson's versatility as a composer. Overall, 'Hymn-Tune Rag' is a lively and engaging composition that combines elements of traditional and popular music in a unique and creative way. Its premiere at the Cheltenham Festival was well-received, and it has since become a popular work in the piano repertoire.

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