Fanfare Band

Variations on a Scale

Grade 5 | 14 Mins

Variations on a Scale was commissioned by CMV Excelsior Schraard (Thom Zigterman, conductor) to celebrate their 90th anniversary in 2012.

 The piece is in the form of six variations of various lengths, but without a unifying theme. Instead, each variation includes either a melody based on the notes of a scale, or an important scalic figure in the accompaniment.

 VARIATION 1

opens with a modal melody on euphoniums, based on the notes of the Dorian scale, which reappears later as the climax of the work.

VARIATION 2

is an energetic and rhythmic vivace, with themes again based on the notes of the Dorian scale.

VARIATION 3

plays the role of a short bridge passage which changes both mood and tempo to introduce the work’s main slow movement.

VARIATION 4

features an introductory theme on trumpet and alto saxophone, based on descending scalic figures, which leads to an exultant main theme, built around an ascending scale.

VARIATION 5

is in effect another bridge passage in the form of a fanfare accompanied by ascending scales in the saxophones and flugel horns.

VARIATION 6

is a celebratory finale with ‘blues scale’ influences. After a joyful exposition and a more reflective central theme, the work’s opening melody is reintroduced, this time in the major key and accompanied by a ‘blues’ counterpoint.