SKU: KJ.GB893F

Festive Variations on Lasst uns Erfreuen, is based freely on the German chorale melody more commonly known as All Creatures of Our God and King. In five variations, this work begins with an Allegro introduction in 6/8, followed by a serene statement of the theme. The first variation reflects the 6/8 optimism of the introduction. The second has a more majestic texture in 3/4 time, featuring brass and percussion. The third variation is a scherzo, fairly fragmentary and more disjunct than the others. This is the most academic of the variations. The fourth is a gentle ballad freely based on the first four notes of the melody. The fifth variation returns to the complete melody, found in a fugato with variations within. Before the work concludes, the original introduction and theme are restated in their first form, followed by a coda based on the introductory motive.