Composer

:

John Harbison

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

2001

Average_duration

:

25:49

Movement_count

:

10

Movement ....

"Song America Loves to Sing/Variations on Common Tunes" is a composition for ensemble by John Harbison. It was composed in 2004 and premiered on March 3, 2005, by the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, conducted by Gil Rose. The piece consists of variations on several well-known American folk songs, including "Shenandoah," "Amazing Grace," and "When Johnny Comes Marching Home." The composition is divided into six movements, each based on a different folk song. The first movement, "Shenandoah," begins with a simple, lyrical melody played by the strings. The variations that follow explore different textures and harmonies, with the melody passing between different instruments and sections of the ensemble. The second movement, "Amazing Grace," is more introspective, with the melody played by a solo clarinet. The variations that follow are more complex, with the melody transformed through different harmonies and rhythms. The third movement, "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," is more upbeat and energetic, with the melody played by the brass and percussion. The variations that follow explore different rhythms and textures, with the melody passed between different instruments and sections of the ensemble. The fourth movement, "Simple Gifts," is more contemplative, with the melody played by a solo violin. The variations that follow are more complex, with the melody transformed through different harmonies and rhythms. The fifth movement, "The Water is Wide," is more atmospheric, with the melody played by the strings and woodwinds. The variations that follow explore different textures and harmonies, with the melody passed between different instruments and sections of the ensemble. The final movement, "Yankee Doodle," is more playful and energetic, with the melody played by the brass and percussion. The variations that follow explore different rhythms and textures, with the melody passed between different instruments and sections of the ensemble. Overall, "Songs America Loves to Sing/Variations on Common Tunes" is a celebration of American folk music, with Harbison's variations exploring the different textures, harmonies, and rhythms of these well-known songs. The piece showcases the versatility and virtuosity of the ensemble, with each movement offering a different challenge for the musicians.

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