Variations on a Bass Theme

SKU: CN.S11254

Full of intrigue and mystery, Variations on a Bass Theme is a treat for the ears. A plethora of thematic material emerges out of tuba section in the opening bar, creating the jumping off point for the whole work. Lloyd takes the listener down numerous unexpected paths, conjuring many visual images along the way as if watching a movie.

Variations on a Bass Theme was written in 1986 for brass band and the original version was titled Diversions on a Bass Theme. The composer himself wrote: This piece is a set of variations. Traditionally variations were what they said they were, i.e. a given tune was treated in a variety of ways. The pattern of this work is made the other way round: a number of tunes grow out of the first bar, played by the tubas, which provide the motif for the whole work. Arranger's Note: The suggestion to arrange the work for symphonic wind band came from George Lloyd: he felt the piece lent itself to such transcription and asked if I would be interested in undertaking it. Interestingly, he always referred to the piece as his Variations on a Bass Theme and I have reflected this in the title of this concert band version. In all other respects the work is exactly as George Lloyd wrote it.