SKU: A0.750992

Edward Elgar composed his Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36, popularly known as the Enigma Variations, between October 1898 and February 1899. It is an orchestral work comprising fourteen variations on an original theme. Nimrod (Adagio) was the 9th variation. The name of this variation refers to Augustus J. Jaeger, who was employed as a music editor by the London publisher Novello & Co. He was a close friend of Elgar's, giving him useful advice but also severe criticism, something Elgar greatly appreciated. Elgar later related how Jaeger had encouraged him as an artist and had stimulated him to continue composing despite setbacks. Nimrod is described in the Old Testament as a mighty hunter before the Lord, Jäger being German for hunter. 

It has been arranged here in the lower key of Bb for a Brass Group (Septet): 2 Trumpets, 2 Horns in F or Eb, Trombone (TC or BC), Euphonium (TC or BC), and Tuba.

The MP3 was recorded with NotePerformer 3.

Grade = 3.5 Duration = 3:15 mins

SKU: A0.750994

Edward Elgar composed his Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36, popularly known as the Enigma Variations, between October 1898 and February 1899. It is an orchestral work comprising fourteen variations on an original theme. Nimrod (Adagio) was the 9th variation The name of this variation refers to Augustus J. Jaeger, who was employed as a music editor by the London publisher Novello & Co. He was a close friend of Elgar's, giving him useful advice but also severe criticism, something Elgar greatly appreciated. Elgar later related how Jaeger had encouraged him as an artist and had stimulated him to continue composing despite setbacks. Nimrod is described in the Old Testament as a mighty hunter before the Lord, Jäger being German for hunter.

It has been arranged here in the key of Eb for a Clarinet Choir (Septet) including parts for Eb Clarinet, Alto Clarinet in Eb, and Bb Bass Clarinet

The MP3 was recorded with NotePerformer.

Grade = 3.5 Duration = 3:15 mins

SKU: A0.861959

Americana Symphony Variations on Appalachia Waltz (score – symphony orchestra) MO164A

Score (parts available)

Music by Mark O’Connor

86 pages – 33:00 minutes in length

Americana Symphony Variations on Appalachia Waltz

For Large Symphony Orchestra

3333/4331/timp/perc/pno/harp+strings

Composed and orchestrated by Mark O’Connor

1st Movement: Brass Fanfare: Wide Open Spaces

2nd Movement: New World Fanciful Dance

3rd Movement: Different Paths Towards Home

4th Movement: Open Plains Hoedown

5th Movement: Soaring Eagle, Setting Sun

6th Movement: Theme: Splendid Horizons

Note: Any movement or combination of the movements can be singled out or re-organized for performance. Most any order of movements is acceptable. Suggestions for consideration included I., II., III., and IV., all recommended as stand alone pieces. Most an order of movements is acceptable. The composition was designed for maximum flexibility. Three or four movements combine to make a shorter variation Symphony.

What is American Classical music? This CD contains Mark O'Connor's latest orchestral works: Americana Symphony Variations on Appalachia Waltz(2006) and Concerto No. 6 Old Brass (2003). Sony Classical//BMG label director Gilbert Hetherwick explains; Dvorak and Copland painted symphonic landscapes using melodies inspired by the Americana tradition, and Mark O'Connor actually comes from that tradition itself. He's lived it every day of his life. And you hear it in every note of his Americana Symphony. For the majority of his solo career, O'Connor has dedicated himself to composing for orchestra: he has written six full-length concertos, several orchestral suites and string orchestra compositions, and most recently his first Symphony.

David Wallace, Juilliard School faculty member and Senior Teaching Artist with the New York Philharmonic, comments on the overall characteristics of O'Connor's music: The Americana Symphony combines historical narrative with classical and folk variation principles. The Symphony contains instrumental virtuosity, rhythmic drive, poignant lyricism, and probing counterpoint. With the Americana Symphony, Mark O'Connor provides his answer to a question that has intrigued U. S. composers since the debut of Dvorak's New World Symphony in 1892: How do you write the great American Symphony?

William Intrilligator, artistic director of the Dubuque Symphony, conducted one of the first performances of the Americana Symphony: Very few pieces of new music have the same emotional and visceral effect as this Symphony, he writes. It has such power and beauty, and these traits are expressed in original ways that are pure O'Connor and truly American.

Marin Alsop, artistic director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and this recording's conductor of the Americana Symphony, calls the Symphony simply A hit!

Original music printed from the composer’s manuscripts.

Music editing, copying and engraving by Mark O’Connor

using Finale on Apple Macintosh 2006 - 2007

Composed by Mark O’Connor

Commissioned by: Cabrillo Music Festival and Marin Alsop, Colorado Symphony, Dubuque Symphony, Fargo Moorhead Symphony, Fox Valley Symphony, Garrett Lakes Arts Festival, Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium, Imperial Symphony, Reading Symphony, Richmond Symphony, Rockford Symphony, Santa Fe Symphony, Springfield Symphony, Springfield Symphony, Symphony Silicon Valley, Youngstown Youth Symphony.

Can be heard on Americana Symphony! OMAC Records

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Marin Alsop