This score is based on the old British Carol "I saw three ships." There are seven variations preceding the fugue. After the theme has been stated, the first two variations extend the theme; the third variation introduces the pedals. The next three variations are in the style of Baroque genres: the fourth variation is a noel written as an homage to Daquin; the fifth variation is a figured chorale, in which the chorale Von Himmel hoch, da komm ich her makes its first appearance; and the sixth is a Handelian rigaudon. The seventh variation is a "carillion" in which Von Himmel hoch reappears. After a dramatic, dissonant chord, the score concludes with a chorale fugue during which Von Himmel hoch appears in the pedal. Composed for and dedicated to David Higgs, in celebration of his twenty-five years of teaching at the Eastman School of Music. Duration: 6:45.

Here is anaddition to your church or recital repertoire. The well-known Irish tune isideal for a set of variations on a theme in five parts. The prelude featuresthe tune in the tenor range on a solo stop. The imitation of the Irish flute isthe focal point of the lively first variation. The second variation is anadagio in the minor mode to create a darker contrast to the rest of the piece.The third variation is an andante with the theme in the pedal, making use ofthe hemiola. The fourth variation is a sprightly fugue to end in a rhythmicfinale.