Gwyneth Walker

Variations on "Amazing Grace"

for Band (1985, rev. 1986)

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Variations on "Amazing Grace" is a short set of continuous, free-flowing variations on the familiar American hymn tune. The work opens with a simple presentation of the hymn tune by the trumpets -- one voice singing alone. The counterpoint slowly increases, voice by voice, to lead to treatments of the tune in full harmonic splendour and color. After a climax, the work dies away to reveal a simple presentation by the trumpets (echoing off each other) of the melody over a pulsating background. The work is based on the version for solo organ which was composed as a wedding gift for the composer's cousin, Arthur Walker, and was premiered at his wedding ceremony.

Notes by Carson Cooman