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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Your “listening guide” amazes me, in that it is a means of illustrating the role of various instrumental sections in communicating and “telling” a story. My background is science and technology so the 1 -1 ½ hours listening to a symphony with your presentation was an exciting learning experience I was not expecting.You are an exceptional talent and personality to be able to introduce someone like myself to the very complicated language of a symphony.

— Outreach Program Attendee