Welsh Variants

Welsh Variants is one of several outstanding works written by James Curnow for the Concord Band. It was commissioned when the Band was under the baton of Bill Toland, and the composer conducted the world premiere on October 22, 1988, in Concord. The main theme is "Suo Gan," a traditional Welsh folk song, also featured in the film Empire of the Sun. The theme is first presented in a brilliant style by the woodwinds. Curnow then transforms the theme into a number of contrasting variations utilizing the full resources of the symphonic band, as well as featuring many solo instruments. (WGM)