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Original Title
Composer
Heiden, Bernhard
Year
1977
Editor
Arranger
Year Arranged
Original Instrumentation
Type of Arrangement
Availability
1
Publisher
Associated Music Publishers
Year Published
1977
Catalogue Number
AMP-7541
Sheet Music Format
A4, Score (23) & parts (9x3=27)
Horns
9
Additional Equipment
Straight mutes
Others
1
Other Instruments
Tuba
Difficulty
2
Duration
9
Structure / Movements
One continuous movement in several parts (variations):
Moderato
Allegro
Piu allegro
Lento
Andante
Allegro vivace
Maestoso
Tempo I
Clefs
Treble, bass
Meters
2/2, 4/4, 3/4, 5/4, 2/4
Key signatures
None
Range
Horn 1: e1 - bb2
Horn 2: a - bb2
Horn 3: c - a2
Horn 4: g - bb2
Horn 5: db - g2
Horn 6: A - d2
Horn 7: g - a2
Horn 8: c - a2
Horn 9: G - a2
Creator's Comments
Performance Notes
Bernhard Heiden (1910-2000) was a German/American composer and teacher who studied under Hindemith. His music is described by Slonimsky as “neoclassical in its formal structure, and strongly polyphonic in texture. It is distinguished also by its impeccable formal balance and effective instrumentation.” About every wind player knows of al least one piece by Heiden, as he’s known predominantly as a wind chamber composer.
Variations for solo tuba and nine horns fits the above description to the letter, being a wind chamber piece that follows the classical form of theme and variations, with a distinct polyphonic texture. While the tuba part has the expected (mainly lyrical) soloistic freedom, the horns are nothing more than a largely homophonic accompaniment background, with only occasional forays into melodic territory. The piece is nevertheless challenging to play, due to the extended range, changing rhythmic figures, and several difficult entries in the high range.
With a good tubist, this is a great piece to put on a concert program, despite the demanding orchestration asking for nine background horns.