Arden Variations is a theme and variations form in three movements, each replete with melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic variations on the simple 8-measure chorale theme of the opening Prelude. Originally intended as an analytical study for students in the composer's Advanced Harmony course at Louisiana State University, the piece seemed to demand further development as each new harmonic device was introduced. Its frequent distant-key modulations and varied rhythmic excursions keep the simple melody alive and interesting throughout its six-and-a-half minute length.
