Five Variations on the 'Brugg Song'-Kaleidoscope is a set of five variations of on the ‘Brugger Lied’ (Brugg Song) which is the traditional song of the town of Brugg. The lyrics tell of the geography people and traditions of this charming and historic town which is situated in the north of Switzerland near to the German border about halfway between Basel and Zurich.Each variation is based on tiny extracts of the theme the whole piece therefore resembling the effect of a kaleidoscope which juxtaposes small fragments of colour in a constantly changing pattern.

Isaac Watts (1674-1748) wrote the lyrics of 'There is a land of pure delight' and is known as the 'Father of English Hymnody'. Watts was for the English hymn as Ambrose was for the medieval Latin hymn and what Martin Luther was for the German chorale. He wrote about 750 songs and some of them survide the ravahes of time. (Joy To The World When I survey the wondrous cross I sing the Mighty Power of God) 'There is a Land of Pure Delight' is usually in English-speaking areas sung on Luther Orlando Emerson's melody ('Ascription'). Here is used a traditional English melody ('Mendip'). There is a land of pure delight Wheresaints immortal Reign. Infinite day excludes the night And pleasures banish pain .

The tradition of the Christmas tree in Western Europe dates back to a time long before any Christianization had taken place. During the severely cold winter nights so it was believed evil spirits tried to ?kill? nature. Needle-leaved trees were the only ones which kept their green colour throughout the year and therefore became symbols of immortality. These ?living? trees said to be the work of benign spirits were brought into people?s houses to ward off evil life-threatening powers. In the 14th century people first started to decorate Christmas trees. It was a pagan custom originated by the inhabitants of Alsace. This custom was taken over by the Church in thecourse of the 15th and 16th century. At first the decoration consisted mainly of edibles such as apples and wafers but later small presents were added. Legend has it that the reformer Martin Luther was the first person to decorate a Christmas tree with candles. The flickering candle flames were meant to create the image of a starry sky in which Christ?s apparition could be recognized. The German organ-player Ernst Anschütz from Leipzig was the first person to notate the song ?O Tannenbaum? the melody being a well-known folk song. Next to ?Stille Nacht? ?O Tannenbaum? is the most famous German Christmas song now known throughout the world. In the United States of America the melody of ?O Tannenbaum? has even been used in four States (among which the State of Maryland) for their State song. In David Well?s arrangement the song is first heard as many of us know it. After this introduction however it is transformed into a solid rock version and the beat has been changed. In the second part the familiar three-four time is back but here the rhythm is different from the original. After the richly ornamented rock beat the basic theme can be heard once again and the composition is concluded in a festive manner.