Variations on a theme of Handel

Johannes Brahms

arranged by Tony Turrill

Flute, Flute/picc, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, 2 Bassoons, 2Horns, Contrabasson

  If you would like to hear some computer generated  excerpts including the theme, one variation and     the opening of the fugue , click on the quaver sign.  It may take a few seconds to load your windows      media player

In addition to the well known variations on the St. Anthony Chorale, Brahms wrote several sets  of variations including those for piano on themes by Paganini (2), Schuman and Handel.   This set, which has has been arranged for a wind decette from the original piano score , has been edited to reduce its size somewhat - even now it lasts for around 15 minutes. The reduction  has been  achieved by selecting those variations which sit most readily on the wind instruments with the minimum departures from the original score.  The selection also attempts to maintain the variety and continuity of the original.  The other most significant changes made are:  (

i) The initial statements of the theme, the Harmonious Blacksmith, in the style of Handel have been retained but the repeats are  set more in the style of Brahms himself. 

(ii) Here and there the pianistic style has been altered to suit the wind ensemble. 

(iii) At the end of the fugue, Brahms hints at the original theme but is perhaps limited by the capacity  of the two hands of the pianist.  In this version the recapitulation has been made a little more emphatic taking advantage of the two horns to cut through the ensemble.