SKU: A0.912505

Theme and Variations on TRSCH is a piece that is suitable for concert use. As one plays the piece, one shall realize that each variation has its own character. The work also may be used for educational purposes in that it teaches students on how a theme is transformed rhythmically and arranged melodically.

Theme And Variations On TRSCH For Organ by Thomas R. Schadl consists of seven variations that are based on TRSCH (B flat, D, E flat, C, and B or A# D D# C B). It is written using the serial technique, the compositional method where a row of notes are arranged in direct, reverse, inverse and retrograde-inverse orders. The technique employed is not as strict as the 12-tone system used in the compositions of Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern. In a standard theme and variations form, the melody may be altered by adding or subtracting notes, or changing it rhythmically, but it is not the case in the piece being discussed. Most variations do not follow the rhythmic pattern of the main theme; rather, the theme in each variation is treated in fragments, lengthened note values, shortened note values, inversions and reversed orders.

Each variation explores moods and the work is organized this way:

Main Theme: m 1-6           TRSCH is stated in the bass.

Variation I:     m 7-22         Fugato

Variation II     m 23-50       Mystical quality and lyrical

Variation III   m 51-88       Scherzo, lyrical section, scherzo

Variation IV   m 89-116     Toccata

Variation V     m 117-224   Mystical mood, scherzo, mystical mood

Variation VI   m 225-297   Toccata, brief lyrical section, toccata

Variation VII   m 298-317   Variation I but at a slower speed.

Forward                           Reverse

A# D D# C     B             F   F # A G# E

F# A# B   G# G             C# D   F   E   C

F   A   A# G   F#            C   C# E D#   B

G# C   C# A# A             D# E   G F#   D

A   C# D   B   A#            E   F   G# G   D#