String Quartet No.4
'Danny Boy
Variations’ (1999)
duration: 4’
GRT • 061
CD recording
in
progress
Silo
String Quartet
Fellowship of Australia Composers
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 lead to a larger, canonic treatment of the
theme in pan–pipe tones which are 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.