Variations

The Variations

Theme and variations has long been a staple of popular music, especially through the nineteenth century. Ponchielli composed two works in this genre that are polar opposites. The "Greek" variations are a compositional tour de force, illustrating Ponchielli's considerable skill in musical variation. Ponchielli's fifteen variations on the Parisian song, Carnevale di Venezia strain the limits of brass instrument virtuosity. The most famous set of brass variations on Carnevale were done by the French cornet virtuoso, J. B. Arban (1825-1889). Instead of one soloist, Ponchielli has six, including himself on a set of bells controlled by a keyboard. While there is nothing new in the demands on the solo clarinet, the cornet, trumpet, bombardino, and flicorno basso parts are vastly more difficult than any other brass variations. The only saving grace is that none last more than sixteen bars at a time. The United States Marine Band has performed them in concert and (in a shortened version) on tour.

The Variations Compared

Carnevale di Venezia Variazioni per Banda, Op. 140, Ms.Civ.91

Variazioni sul Canto Greco di Cavallini per Banda, Op. 144, PP.135.14