SKU: HL.4008720

ISBN 9798350117769. UPC: 196288193128.

Rob Goorhuis wrote his Variations on a Pentatonic Theme (1987) for the Royal Wind band of Thorn, conductor Jan Cober.7The work consists of five character variations on a pentatonic (five-tone) theme. The basic elements of the theme are the descendingminor third and the descending major second, which in the course of the composition build up to a broad melody, unfolding itself in the final variation. The first variation resembles minimal music in its repetitive rhythmic motives. The second variation is explosive in character: rapid broken chords provide a background for soft solo motifs. The third variation is a quiet intermezzo on a slow chorale theme, creatingtwo contrasting moods. The fourth variation is a light-hearted scherzo. The final variation is a brilliant finale with all the necessary ingredients, or, in the composer's words, “the works”.