Every weekday morning at 10 a.m., the hosts at Classical MPR play a standout work based on the theme for the week. We call them Morning Glories.
Take a simple tune, vary it a little, and then repeat. That's the form known as theme and variations. The idea may sound simple — but the expressive possibilities are almost endless. This week, we'll bring you five examples on Morning Glories.
Monday
Johannes Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn
Brahms turned to the variation form several times — this is the most famous example.
Tuesday
Antonin Dvořák: Symphonic Variations
The theme of these variations has its roots in Czech folk music, like so many of Dvořák's compositions.
Wednesday
Edward Elgar: Enigma Variations
Set aside the enigma — enjoy this as a powerful, inventive piece of symphonic music.
Thursday
Jean-Baptiste Arban: Variations on "Casta Diva"
The variation form has always been a favorite vehicle for a virtuoso, like trumpeter Alison Balsom.
Friday
Ernst von Dohnanyi: Variations on a Nursery Theme
If you can sing the "alphabet song," you know the theme for this piece.
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