SKU: HL.14028042

ISBN 9788759810668.

Ruders writes: There's a solid tradition in the history of Western music of turning the theme of Nicolo Paganini's 24th Caprice for soloviolin into a set of variations endemic to the time and style of each individual composer; Liszt, Brahms, Rachmaninov and Lutoslawsky being the most prominent names. When asked by David Starobin to write a concerto for him, I though well, why not have a go at it? - bearing in mind, that not only is Paganini the most celebrated violin-wizard of all times, but he was also a more than accomplished guitarist. There are 22 variations in all, numbers 1 to 16 all adhering strictly to the 16-bar pattern, laid down by Paganini himself. From variation 17 though, the writing becomes more symphonic and the rigid 16-bar regime is being lossendes up a bit. However, the last variation 'Finale Prestisimo' is a 6 x 16 bars white-knuckle ride, in which the hitherto soloistic role of the guitar gives way to that of 'primus interpares', i.e. 'first among equals'. As with another set of variations of mine 'Concerto on Pieces' (based on a tune by Purcell), the nature and shape of the 'Pagannini-Variations' may be compared to a stroll through a hall of mirrors: the portrait - the theme is gradually being distorted out of all recognition - but it's still the same original walking by.

SKU: HL.44007487

UPC: 884088256036. 9x12 inches. English-German-French-Dutch.

Symphonic Metamorphosis was commissioned by the Sierra Vista High School Symphonic Band, Las Vegas (NV). The composer was given free hand to choose the style of the new commission and originally planned to use the opportunity to fulfil a long-held ambition to write a set of variations on the famous chorale from Saint-Saens' Third Symphony (Organ); in beginning work he was so moved by the work's highlights that he decided to include more than just the chorale melody. Therefore, while Symphonic Metamorphosis starts out as an original set of variations for concert band, it is gradually subsumed by other elements in the symphony (particularly the slow movement), and the piece closes with a finale that has been reorganized and rescored from the majestic closing pages of the symphony.