Rob Goorhuis

Variations On A Pentatonic Theme

Rob Goorhuis wrote his Variations on a Pentatonic Theme (1987) for the Royal Wind band of Thorn, conductor Jan Cober.
The work consists of five character variations on a pentatonic (five-tone) theme. The basic elements of the theme are the descending minor third and the descending major second, which in the course of the composition build up to a broad melody, unfolding itself in the final variation.
The first variation resembles minimal music in its repetitive rhythmic motives.
The second variation is explosive in character: rapid broken chords provide a background for soft solo motifs.
The third variation is a quiet intermezzo on a slow chorale theme, creatingtwo contrasting moods.
The fourth variation is a light-hearted scherzo.
The final variation is a brilliant finale with all the necessary ingredients, or, in the composer's words, 'the works'

Testpiece WMC 2005 Concert Division.