In the next eight measures, there is a canonic treatment of the theme, followed by a two-measure transition. Tempo should be slow and somber, but always flowing. Slight alterations in tempo may be employed to help characterize each variation, but no large variations in tempo should occur until the concluding rallentando . Some broadening of tempo may be employed at phrase endings to help clarify the musical structure. In addition, the metrical space between the fourth beat of a just-concluded phrase and the first beat of the subsequent phrase may be expanded in order to characterize each variation effectively.
Dynamic contrast is an important component of the composition.
Players should be encouraged to differentiate between thematic material and accompaniment material, and should always be listening for the theme. It may be rewarding for players to experiment with composing their own variations of the theme. Although few technical demands are made in this work, the challenge to young players is to play with sensitivity and accuracy, for only then will a musically satisfying performance be achieved. All Rights Reserved. Wind Ensemble, Jack Stamp, conductor.