'Odyssey Variations' was composed as a result of a commission in 2020 from Five Lakes Silver Band and MD, Christopher Ward.

The composer states that the music is based on an original theme that he first used in his major test-piece 'Odyssey', which was the set-work for the 1999 European Band Championships, held in Germany.

Significance

He states: "I remember getting into my hotel room and turning on the television to hear news coverage of the tragic Columbine High School shooting, so the piece has always held significance for me.

The melody was originally a cornet solo in 'Odyssey' and pitched deliberately to test the soloist. This however is a straightforward choral setting of the melody which itself is based on the familiar words of 'Be Thou My Vision', an old Irish hymn, translated by Mary E. Byrne, and versified by Eleanor H. Hull."

Theme and variations

The is set as a theme and seven variations of different styles before a return to the theme and a closing finale.

Find out more:

Video performance:
Five Lakes Silver Band: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfLnld3bCw8

Sheet music available from:
UK: www.brassband.co.uk or www.durhammusicshop.co.uk
USA: https://satradecentral.org/

Difficulty Level: 1st Section +