Variations on an Irish Tune (Brian Balmages) for String Orchestra

Variations on an Irish Tune is based on The Minstrel Boy by Thomas Moore, one of the most important figures in 19th-century Irish music. After a brief, heralding introduction, the piece moves into a drone, simulating the sound of bagpipes. At this point, the original tune is presented in its entirety. Slight variations on the opening motif then begin to appear as the work moves into a lyrical section. The second section is not a literal variation of The Minstrel Boy; rather, the melody is based on altered fragments of the original tune. In measure 55, hints of the second half of the tune are heard. These different motifs are combined with original material to create the entire scope of the second variation. The third variation restates elements of the drone, but also introduces fiddle-style playing. The rhythmic intensity continues to build until violin 1 introduces the final variation. The entire ensemble then builds to an exciting hoedown conclusion.

Grade 2. Duration: 3 minutes, 50 seconds.