Alan Bush

Variations, Nocturne and Finale

Variations, Nocturne & Finale On An English Sea-Song for Piano and Orchestra Op. 60. Orchestral part arranged for a second Piano by David Lyon.

After a brief introduction to the Orchestra, the melody ofan eighteenth century whalermen's ballad with verse and refrain 'Blow Ye Winds', is given out, the verse by the Piano, the refrain divided between Orchestra and Piano. Then follow thirteen variations, the last three beingpianistic etudes, accompanied Orchestrally. The nocturne evokes the nostalgia of a long voyage and the finale the excitement, dangers and glory of a triumphant chase. In these movements, as well as in the variations, theentiremusical material is derived from the basic theme. The work is designed as a virtuoso concert-piece for the pianist, with supporting Orchestral flashes of colour and points of contrast.