Sakura Variants M.L. Daniels

[EN]The famous Japanese folk song is taken through a theme and variations treatment in this full work. Fragments of the theme are heard in each variation and are surrounded by original material. A broad spectrum of percussion instruments are used, which creates a very dramatic concert selection.

[DE]Das berühmte japanische Volkslied wird in diesem Gesamtwerk durch eine Themen- und Variationsbehandlung geführt. In jeder Variation sind Fragmente des Themas zu hören, die von Originalmaterial umgeben sind. Es wird ein breites Spektrum an Schlaginstrumenten verwendet, wodurch eine sehr dramatische Konzertauswahl entsteht.


After the initial statement of this famous Japanese song, the rest of the composition appears in ternary (ABA) form: fast, slow, fast. While variations found in the compositions of earlier composers might keep the melody and change the harmony (or vice-versa), in modern times there may be only hints of the original melody appearing as the variations (variants) progress. And that is what happens in this piece, Sakura (pronounced Sah ku da, accent on 1st syllable) Variants. After the introduction, you will hear fragments from this folk song surrounded by new material throughout. The music is written for many percussion instruments, and it is hoped that those ensembles performing it will have enough performers to cover all the parts.