ISABEL GRAY (Pianoforte)
THE WIRELESS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Leader, S. KNEALE KELLEY
Conducted by MAURICE BESLY
EVERYONE knows the type of composition called Theme (or Air) and Variations,' if only through Variations on The Bells of Aberdovey or Bluebells of Scotland. It is difficult to think of any composer of any importance who has not tried his hand at writing variations on some tune which took his fancy.
Edward German's Theme and Six Diversions is really a Theme and Six Variations, only he uses the word ' Diversions' because, we are told, the Theme is treated more freely in some of them than in the old style of 'Variations.'
The Theme
(which is preceded by a forceful Introduction) is slow and solemn.
Edward German comes from the Welsh border, and perhaps it is permissible to find a suggestion of Welsh hymn tune in this Theme.
The Six Diversions are in the following styles :-
(1) Fairly quick, dignified ; (2) Very quick and playful; (3) Quick and lively (A Gipsy Dance); (4) Slowish, but with movement; calmly. (The Muted Strings are here divided into ten parts.) (5) Quick, in valse style; (6) Slowish, with movement.