Danny Boy Variations
for violin duo (1998 / 2008)
duration: 3’
GRT • 134
score available from
Australian Music
Centre
program
note
Danny Boy
Variations, is not
strictly in 'theme and variations' form as such. It is
essentially a free rumination on sections of the theme,
which ultimately leads to a canonic presentation of the
theme in pan–pipe tones – intended to create an unworldly
atmosphere in memory of Frank O'Brien. The Danny Boy theme
is one that I am fond of, particularly Grainger's version
for brass band. The theme here is treated playfully but
also taps into a strong sense of nostalgia, which is
inherent in the tune. While written in 1998, this duo was
revised for and premiered by James Cuddeford and Natsuko
Yoshimoto at the Adelaide Festival Centre in December,
2007. The piece also exists in a slightly expanded form for
string quartet.
review
“Complementing the opening
work of the program (Bunch’s hymn settings) was Stuart
Greenbaum’s Danny Boy Variations. Unlike the traditional
‘variation’ form, Greenbaum used only selected fragments of
this well–known melody throughout this work. Alongside
fleeting glimpses of familiar chords, melodies would emerge
as if rising through a mist. A canonic conclusion to the
work saw Cuddeford and Yoshimoto turn from each other and
slowly walk away as they played the closing pitches, as if
retreating to their own world of reminiscences.”
Janet McKay, Resonate, May 2008