Printed set (Score & Parts)
[Part 1] Flute, Oboe, Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinet, Bb Soprano Saxophone, Eb Alto Saxophone, Bb Trumpet
[Part 2] Bb Clarinet, Eb Alto Saxophone, Bb Trumpet
[Part 3] Flute*, Oboe*, Bb Clarinet, (8va)* Bb Clarinet, Eb Alto Saxophone, Bb Tenor Saxophone, F Horn
[Part 4] Bb Clarinet, Bb Bass Clarinet, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Bassoon, F Horn, Trombone, Euphonium
[Part 5] Bb Bass Clarinet, Eb Baritone Saxophone, Bassoon, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, String Bass
*Part 3
Three instruments can be used when Part 1 includes Flute or Eb Clarinet.
After being commissioned to write variations using hymns, I went to the bookstore to purchase a hymnal.From the more than 500 hymns in the book, with beautiful instrumental melodies, simple one-chorus, to the briefest choruses, I came across this one.
From Psalm 103, its melody is called St. Nicholas. This Saint Nicholas is by the way the namesake of Santa Claus.This is an orthodox variation in which the melody is expressed in each part.
(Hiroki Takahashi)
