Theme and Variation

Inside Music radio show episode: Once Upon A Variation, Explore Elgar's Variations On An Original Theme, Op. 36

Once Upon A Variation

Sir Edward Elgar, perhaps best known for his Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 played at graduation ceremonies the world over, also wrote some of the most powerfully moving music…

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Discovery Orchestra Chat 177 – The Firebird Suite Lullaby & Finale Play-Through

This Chat Video features the final two movements of Stravinsky’s “Firebird” Suite with our Listening Guide on screen. Performed by the Vienna Symphony courtesy of Naxos of America.

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Inside Music: Camille saint Saens, Organ Symphony

3-2-1 Blast Off

The psychological skill of elaboration – the ability to develop an idea or create variations of an idea – is explored in the Finale of Symphony No. 3 by Camille…

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Discovery Orchestra Chat 176 – The Firebird Suite Finale

In this Chat, Maestro Maull explores the Finale from Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. Variation form, fingered tremolo, effective surprise – so much to learn!

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Discovery Orchestra Chat 104 – A Third Look at Variation Form

In this Chat, Maestro Maull and guitarist Celil Refik Kaya explore Celil’s own composition entitled Theme & Variations on Pass et medio.  

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Discovery Orchestra Chat 94 – Name that Tune?

Another look at variation form in this Chat – but backwards! Have a listen to some variations and see if you can figure out what the theme is in this…

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Marvelous job, Maestro, as always! Thank you for doing such a splendid, insightful and careful deep-dive into the art and craftsmanship that Tchaikovsky, after much effort, put into creating this work. There really is no greater portrayal of young love in music than his Romeo and Juliet, and your thoughtfulness demonstrates it so admirably.

— Chat Video Listener