Variations on a Canarian Hymn

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Variations on a Canarian Hymn grade 4, duration 11:00 was commissioned and composed for the Banda Muncipal of Tenerife, Spain, Filipe Neri, conductor. They premiered it on June 25, 2017. The American premiere was March 21, 2019 by the University of Wisconsin River Falls Symphony Band, Kristin Tjornehoj, Conductor. The Canary Islands is a region of Spain. The anthem used in the Canaries for local official occasions is an adaptation of a local folk song called “Arrorró” (Lullaby) by Teobaldo Power (1848 – 1884). Tenerife is the largest and most populated island of the seven Canary Islands. Tenerife has a special relation to Columbus and the New World as he first stopped in Tenerife on each of his passages before sailing to the New World. There is a plaque in the center of Tenerife city depicting this. Variations on a Canarian Hymnis in the classic theme and variations form, starting with a presentation of the folk song in its entirety, then following with six variations of the folk song. Each variation displays different colors and moods of the symphonic band. The triumphal ending depicts the strength of the Canarian people. The piece features several instruments, some with extended solos including: flute, oboe, alto saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, clarinet, English horn and timpani. There are several cues in the parts to cover certain instruments that may not be available, such as English horn. Instrumentation is Piccolo, 2 Flutes. 2 Oboes, English Horn (Optional), 2 Bassoons, Eb Clarinet (Optional), 3 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, 2 Alto Saxophones, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, 3 Trumpets, 4 Horns, 2 Trombones, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Timpani, Percussion (3 players – snare drum, bass drum, triangle, suspended cymbal, wood block, drum set, tam tam, anvil, castinets, vibroslap, crash cymbals, tom toms (4), claves, orchestra bells, vibraphone, xylophone) Double bass (optional).