Theme and Variations

Instrumentation: 2 cellos
Duration: 8 minutes
Completion date: 2012
Performance by Elliot Chang, Julia Bruskin

Although this theme and variations was written in a conventional sense - theme first, then variations - the musical structure is quite the contrary. The listener must make their way through all five variations to reach the theme at the end of the piece. In doing so, the form allows for an adequate portrayal of redemption from the ashes of darkness. Variation One introduces a tense, more sinister element to the music. Yet, what you find by the end is directly opposite. What started from the dark depths eventually rises to a majestic, grand outpour of positive energy before resigning to a calm, peaceful conclusion.