Saint-Saëns Variations - Parts & Score

Saint-Saëns Variations - Parts & Score

Youth Brass Band Championships 2020 - Philip Sparke.

In 2006 Philip Sparke was commissioned by the Sierra Vista High School Symphonic Band, Las Vegas, Nevada, to write a piece for performance during a visit to the school by the composer in March of the following year.

A free brief was given and Philip Sparke took the opportunity to fulfil a long-held ambition to write a set of variations, which he called Symphonic Metamorphosis, on the famous chorale from Saint-Saëns’ ‘Organ’ Symphony. However, things changed during the composition process; the composer writes: ‘ I had for about 15 years wanted to write a set of variations on the famous chorale from the ‘Organ’ Symphony but revisiting the work reminded me what a remarkable piece it is. Saint-Saens was criticised by his peers for being too reactionary, and while it is true that much of the symphony looks back to baroque and classical techniques, there are startling moments of power and originality in the work, especially in terms of harmony and orchestration. Even Saint Saëns’ greatest admirers would find it hard to deny that, even though it is extremely tightly constructed, the symphony has some less-inspired passages, but I was so moved by the work’s highlights that I decided to include more than just the chorale melody in my new work.

So Symphonic Metamorphosis started out as an original set of variations for band but this ambition was gradually subsumed by the power of Saint-Saëns’ music, particularly the slow movement, and the piece closes with a finale which has been reorganised and rescored from the majestic closing pages of the symphony.

In 2009 the composer reworked the piece for brass band. The resulting Saint-Saëns Variations has been simplified, shortened and in many places completely recomposed, to distil the essence of the symphony even further and allow lower section bands to enjoy the power of Saint-Saens’ masterpiece in an approachable, yet essentially faithful, work.

The Youth Brass Band Championships will be held on Saturday 28 March at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Sheffield, with the format remaining unchanged following its successful introduction at Warwick School.

Finance available when you spend over £300

We offer a range of finance options including 24-month and 36-month. Now you can get the latest clarinet, cornet, saxophone, trumpet or tuba and not feel the burden of paying all at once, or saving for months and finding it is sold out!

About V12 Retail Finance

Band Supplies Ltd, is registered in Scotland at 13-15 Old Dumbarton Road, Glasgow, G3 8QY (SC339374)

Band Supplies is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is the broker and not the lender. Our registration number is 729628. Band Supplies offers credit products from Secure Trust Bank PLC trading as V12 Retail Finance. Credit is provided subject to affordability, age and status. Minimum spend applies. Not all products offered by Secure Trust Bank PLC are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Delivery Information

- Orders Under £100 - £4.95

- Orders Over £100 - £8.95

Delivery Schedule

Orders received before 2pm are normally shipped the same day.

We have a vast selection of goods, although if your item is not in stock, we will back order it for you. You will always be emailed with the option to choose an alternative or cancel your order if you would rather not wait.

UK Mainland Shipping Guide

Orders under £20 – Royal Mail 1st Class Post - £4.95

Orders Between £20-£100 – Courier 1-2 Day - £4.95

Orders Over £100 – Courier 1-2 Day – £8.95

Returns

Should you be unhappy with your purchase goods can be returned within 14 days of receipt. This does not apply to products where hygiene is concerned and product seals have been broken. Reeds, mouthpieces, pipes & chanters are unreturnable. 

You must then return the goods at your own expense. Goods must be returned in the original packaging and condition.

If the goods are faulty or not what was ordered, please contact us within 7 days of receipt of goods and we will arrange return at our own expense.