Ludwig Variations

Ludwig Variations (2017)

for orchestra

2 fl; 2 ob; 2 cl; 2 bsn
2 hn; 2 tpt
timp
strings

Duration: c. 10 minutes

1. Allegro con brio
2. Adagio sostenuto: delicatissimamente
3. Allegro vivace

The opening section, Allegro con brio, is a reworking of the first movement, much compressed, of Beethoven’s Symphony No 7 in A major, Op. 92. Beethoven’s long ascending scales and low sustained pedal notes have been reorganised whilst the lively dance-like rhythms gain extra vibrancy through adopting Latin American colours.

The second movement, Adagio sostenuto: delicatissimamente, takes a few bars from the opening of Beethoven’s Piano sonata No 14 in C-sharp minor – the so-called “Moonlight” sonata. The celebrated quaver triplet motif is transformed into an interlocking pattern between woodwind instruments followed by a version for strings.

The final movement, Allegro vivace, is based on a few passages from Beethoven’s Fidelio Overture. Beginning with a quiet subterranean intensity, the music develops through sudden dramatic episodes; the unresolved harmony of the original driving it constantly forward in search of a sense of resolution.

First performed by Welsh Sinfonia conducted by Mark Eager on 23 February 2018 at Wiltshire Music Centre

Robin Stowell (Leader), Matthew Everett, Elizabeth French, Paula Kempton, Sonia Parkinson, Alison Balfour-Paul (1st violins); Katy Rowe, Sophie Silverstone, Rebecca Bradley, Rachel Elliott (2nd violins); Cecily Howick, Bridget Mansfield, Rebecca Hall (violas); Lucy Simmonds, Abigail Blackman, Rachel Waters (cellos); Imogen Fernando (double bass); Catherine Handley, Jemma Freestone (flutes); Graeme Adams, Catherine Tanner-Williams (oboes); Greg Hearle, Julia Holmes (clarinets); Gareth Humphreys, Sian Morgan (bassoons); Craig MacDonald, Martin Davis (horns); Jason Lewis, Martin Rogers (trumpets); Dave Danford (timpani)