Suite of Variations (2013)
Flute, Clarinet, Percussion Piano, Violin, Viola and Cello
After hearing the unique instrumentation of Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire, I was inspired to write a piece for a similar sized ensemble, with added viola and percussion.
The piece is divided rigorously into a five sections, consisting of a prelude and four variations in different rhythmic styles, all holding a similar tempo. The structure is as follows:
Prelude (bb. 1-8)
Allemande (bb. 9-23)
Minuet (bb. 24-63)
Sarabande (bb. 64-83)
Jig (b. 84-end)
Also following on from Schoenberg’s practice, I have made this piece atonal, although there is a slight leaning towards tonality in the minuet and jig, and the piece finishes on C major in order to resolve all dissonance. Throughout the piece, I’ve integrated a hexachord based on the notes C, D, E, F#, A# and B. This hexachord appears in various guises both as chords and as melodies.
This piece was written as the first composition of my third-year portfolio, in the 'Chamber Music' module.