Duration: 7’30”
Description: Variations on the hymn tune Royal Oak. The general plan for each variation follows the layout of the hymn tune: refrain-verse-refrain.
The first variation features a canon at the octave in the manuals over a simple 2-voice pedal part.
The second variation is more dramatic, with the first part of the hymn tune disguised but strongly influencing the melodic material. The verse portion of the tune is set in contrasting fashion: repeated bass notes, sustained left-hand chords, right hand playing with fragments of the tune. After a return to the beginning of the variation, the piece moves with a very slight break into
variation 3. It has its own intro, which returns between phrases of the tune (ok–it’s a ritornello).
Variation 4 is the loudest, following directly on the heels of the previous variation, almost as thought it’s the second half of a variation rather than a variation in its own right. Unlike previous variations, this one doesn’t return to the refrain, but heads directly into
variation 5. This final variation is softer: sustained notes or slow-moving lines in the left hand; repeated 16ths in the right hand; melody in the pedal on a 4′ stop. I also added the zimbelstern, since I had one on the instrument for which I wrote the piece (I may work out a handbell choir part at my new position). The piece returns to a quiet, reflective mood and prepares the congregation (those who are listening!) for worship. To see musical examples visit my blog.