Composer

:

William Mathias

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Variations

Compose Date

:

1962

First Performance

:

Dec 1962

Average_duration

:

13:20

William Mathias' "Variations on a Hymn Tune, Op. 20" is a composition for organ that was completed in 1963. The piece was premiered on June 22, 1963, at St. David's Cathedral in Wales, where Mathias served as the cathedral's organist and master of the choristers. The composition consists of a theme and six variations, with a coda that brings the piece to a close. The theme is based on the Welsh hymn tune "Cwm Rhondda," which is also known as "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer." The hymn tune is a popular Welsh melody that is often sung at religious services and events. The first variation is a lively and rhythmic setting of the theme, with the melody played in the pedals and the accompaniment in the manuals. The second variation is a gentle and reflective setting of the theme, with the melody played in the upper register of the manuals and the accompaniment in the lower register. The third variation is a fast and virtuosic setting of the theme, with the melody played in the manuals and the accompaniment in the pedals. The fourth variation is a slow and expressive setting of the theme, with the melody played in the pedals and the accompaniment in the manuals. The fifth variation is a lively and syncopated setting of the theme, with the melody played in the manuals and the accompaniment in the pedals. The sixth variation is a grand and majestic setting of the theme, with the melody played in the pedals and the accompaniment in the manuals. The coda brings the piece to a close with a triumphant restatement of the theme, played in the pedals and accompanied by a full organ registration. The piece is characterized by its use of virtuosic organ techniques, such as pedal glissandos, rapid manual figurations, and full organ registrations. Overall, "Variations on a Hymn Tune, Op. 20" is a masterful composition that showcases Mathias' skill as an organist and composer. Its use of the Welsh hymn tune "Cwm Rhondda" gives the piece a sense of national identity and cultural significance, while its virtuosic organ writing makes it a challenging and rewarding work for performers.

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