Stig Nordhagen

Variations On A Tune From Valdres

Variations on a folktune from Valdres was commisioned by The Norwegian Military Music for the 100th anniversary of the dissolution of the union with Sweden in 2005. The work includes a prologue, eight variations and an epilog. The folktune (theme) is first introduced in the epilog. The variations, however, reveal parts of the folksong as they progress. In this way the piece developes oppositely to the traditional theme with variations. It rather consists of variations with a theme. As the variations progress they continuously introduce parts of the folktune, as well as particular moods and atmospheres, through a variation of styles and techniques.