Product Description
Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn (German: Variationen über ein Thema von Jos. Haydn), also known as the Saint Anthony Variations, is a set of orchestral variations composed by Johannes Brahms during the summer of 1873 in Tutzing, Bavaria. The work is structured around a theme in B-flat major titled Chorale St. Antoni, followed by eight variations and a finale.
Brahms published the piece in two versions: one for two pianos, composed first and designated Op. 56b, and a more frequently performed version for orchestra, labeled Op. 56a. Today, the orchestral version is far better known and widely favored in concert repertoire.
The world premiere of the orchestral version took place on November 2, 1873, with Brahms conducting the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
This composition is often regarded as the first independent set of orchestral variations in Western classical music. However, at least one earlier example exists: Antonio Salieris Twenty-six Variations on "La folia di Spagna", written in 1815.
Despite its title, modern scholarship has questioned whether the theme truly originated with Joseph Haydn. Regardless of its source, the work remains a brilliant example of Brahmss mastery of variation form and orchestral color, and it is widely known by its alternate name: the Saint Anthony Variations.
This arrangement is for solo flute.
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