John Prescott

Ancient Hymn Tune Variants

The medieval plainchant melody Divinum Mysterium is used as the source material for this piece, as its melodic elements are constantly varied throughout. Beginning in a slow, stately tempo as it might have been heard in a cathedral in the middle ages, the initial setting ultimately gives way to fast, driving rhythms which support more and more variations on the tune. The arch-like form of the plainchants final phrase is mirrored in the brasses three times within the piece, the most dramatic of which occurs near the end as Ancient Hymn Tune Variants reaches its exciting and triumphant conclusion.