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Variations - Andrew Lloyd Webber Arr Eric Wilson - Euphonium and Piano |
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In stockHere is a fantastic new addition to the lighter repertoire for the euphonium, here with piano accompaniment.
From the arranger Eric Wilson:
VariationsViolin virtuoso Nicolai Paganini's Caprice in A minor (the fifth of his 24 Caprices for Solo Violin) has been the inspiration for countless sets of variations: the sequential passages, distinctive contours and intervals, and its inherent harmony all provide a rich source of material to work with.In 1977 Andrew Lloyd Webber added his name to those who have made use of Paganini's piece to fulfil his obligations on losing a bet on a Leyton Orient football match to his famous cello-playing brother, Julian. One of his variations (number four) became well known through its use as the theme to London Weekend Television's arts programme The South Bank Show - in its original context just a short snatch from a piece lasting some 45 minutes.Just out of university, in the late 1980s, I arranged a selection from the work and asked a prominent euphonium soloist to take a look at it for me (always advisable for aspiring composers and arrangers). It was deemed a great idea but the manuscript was lost - this was long before computer engraving and I had neglected to make a copy - so the idea languished for several years until | revisited it, trying hard to recall what I had done the first time! I was happy with the structure of what had become a nicely balanced ten minute selection but felt it needed some key changes to achieve a more satisfying harmonic journey.After far too long a hiatus, I have finally arrived at my final version. Paganini's theme is presented, followed by variations 1-5, 10, and 23 (in the original numbering). The famous South Bank Show theme is included, as is the variation which became Unexpected Song' in Tell Me On A Sunday, and the galloping finale - a showy ending for today's virtuosi!
Eric Wilson
Audiences will love this and it's 'legit' enough to also perform in recitals! While some of it is quite easy to play there are some sections that are quite challenging and the speed of the finale is rapid. In my opinion one or two of the high notes for some players could be transported down an octave without detriment to the overall effect. It has the same construction as the version that exists with euphonium and brass band, but in this version the euphonium plays more and rest less!
Please enjoy! Congratulations to Eric Wilson and Winwood Music for this new publication
Difficulty level 4.5/6
Duration: 6 mins
Supplied with solo parts in TC and BC and piano part
