Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Variations

Compose Date

:

1964

First Performance

:

Apr 17, 1965

Average_duration

:

5:26

Igor Stravinsky's "Variations: Aldous Huxley in Memoriam" is a composition for orchestra that was completed in 1963. The piece was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and premiered on October 31, 1963, under the baton of Leonard Bernstein. The work is comprised of twelve variations on a twelve-tone row that Stravinsky created specifically for this piece. Each variation is dedicated to a different aspect of Huxley's life and work, including his interest in Eastern philosophy, his love of nature, and his advocacy for psychedelic drugs. The first variation, titled "In Memoriam," sets the tone for the piece with a mournful melody played by the strings. The second variation, "Tempo giusto," is a lively and rhythmic dance that reflects Huxley's interest in Indian music and dance. The third variation, "Poco meno," is a slow and contemplative piece that represents Huxley's love of nature. The fourth variation, "Allegro," is a fast and energetic piece that reflects Huxley's advocacy for psychedelic drugs. The fifth variation, "L'istesso tempo," is a playful and whimsical piece that represents Huxley's sense of humor. The sixth variation, "Poco piu mosso," is a fast and frenzied piece that reflects Huxley's interest in the occult. The seventh variation, "Poco meno," is a slow and mournful piece that represents Huxley's death. The eighth variation, "Allegro," is a fast and energetic piece that represents Huxley's belief in the power of the human mind. The ninth variation, "L'istesso tempo," is a playful and whimsical piece that represents Huxley's love of literature. The tenth variation, "Poco piu mosso," is a fast and frenzied piece that represents Huxley's interest in science. The eleventh variation, "Poco meno," is a slow and mournful piece that represents Huxley's legacy. The final variation, "Allegro," is a fast and energetic piece that represents Huxley's belief in the power of the human spirit. Overall, "Variations: Aldous Huxley in Memoriam" is a complex and multi-layered work that reflects Stravinsky's admiration for Huxley's life and work. The piece is characterized by its use of a twelve-tone row, its varied tempos and moods, and its incorporation of diverse musical influences.

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