Rick England
Variations On An English Pastoral Theme
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Rick England
Variations On An English Pastoral Theme
- Instrumentation String Orchestra
- Composer Rick England
- Series Highland String Orchestra
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Difficulty Level
- Edition Score and Parts
- Publisher Highland-Etling Publishing
- Order no. ALF22321
ships within 2-4 weeks
Description:
Variations on an English Pastoral Theme is based on the tune 'Brother James's Air.' At the heart of the piece is the opening violin solo melody, which is rather free-form in a wistful, quasi-improvisatory folk style-as if played while sitting outdoors on a rock. The melody wanders in and out of modal territory in the manner of early 20th century English string suites. Subsequent variations feature guitar-like accompaniment, duets, fragments of melodic material for each instrument, and a wide range of sweeping dynamic contrasts. The piece closes quietly, as it began, but in a new key with the solo in the cello.