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composition
Variaties op een thema van Couperin : voor fluit met begeleiding van strijkorkest en harp, 1944 / door Hendrik Andriessen
Other authors:
Couperin, Francois (1668-1733)
(On a theme by)
Andriessen, Hendrik
(Composer)
Description:
Program note (English): This work consists of an Introduction, Theme, 5 Variations, a Fugato and a Coda. The theme is taken from 'La Basque', a harpsichord piece by François Couperin (1668-1733). The variations are free phantasies on motives of the theme, in which bar and tempo are changing each time. Just as in the 'Kuhnau-variaties' there is a certain mixture of new and ancient style elements, but here the neo-classic element is even more important. - Introduction, Andante tranquillo. This consists of only 12 bars (harp and strings). - Theme, Allegretto (A to C). This has the character of a Siciliano and is arranged for flute with strings (without double basses). - Variation I, Andante maestoso (C). The relation with the theme is emphasized here by the flute (D). - Variation II, Allegro (G). Just as the preceding variation by its majestic rhythm shows a certain kinship to Sarabande and Chaconne, this one may be compared to Gavotte and Bourrée. Once more the flute reminds us of the theme (H). The
melody is varied by means of using six-tone-scale. - Variation III, Andante grave (L - 4). A majestic intermezzo, in which 4/4 and 3/4 bar alternate. - Variation IV, Allegro (Q). The 4/4 bar immediately changes into 3/4; this variation, in which the beginning is quoted nearly literally, has the character of a Waltz. - Variation V, Adagio (T). This again is a very free phantasy, a lyric, meditative intermezzo. - At X the Fugato begins; its theme is an inversion of the bass of the original theme; at the same time it is derived from the top-notes of the melody. The Coda (Ee - 6) concludes the work with reminiscences from Variations I and IV. - HENDRIK ANDRIESSEN