Robin Wedderburn

Short Passacaglia

Orchestration:
Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola (or Violin 3 or Cello), Cello , Bass (or Cello):
Although the Passacaglia was originally a dance, composers have for centuries taken the style and form of this dance and based concert pieces on it. Passacaglias are in three-time, are usually quite slow and are built around a short theme which repeats many times, mainly or even entirely in the bass. This one calmly collects its thoughts about a six-bar theme (heard at the start on cellos and b asses alone) which comes seven times (not always in the bass) before a coda in which the main theme seems to dissolve quietly.
There are three extra parts, not shown in the score. Either or both of Violin 3 and Cello alternative to Viola (in tenor clef, for one or more advanced players) may support or replace the Viola part. The Cello alternative to Double Bass may, in the same way, support or replace the Double Bass part. In one way or another this lowest part should be played and not simply omitted. (These extra parts are as nearly as possible the same as the parts they support, although there are some small differences where necessary.) The music will, of course, sound its very best in the instrumentation given in the score, but a good result is also quite possible with the modifications described above.
Short Passacaglia could become the second item in a short, three-movement suite of this composer's pieces, all in the Goodmusic Concert Capers series, as follows: The Steep and Rugged Pathway - GMCC025 (A minor; sturdy, determined), Short Passacaglia - GMCC024 (D major; calm, thoughtful), On the Move - GMCC022 (G major; bright, energetic)
Duration: 2¢ minutes
A PACK comprises one full score and strings 4/4/3/4/2 (plus similar numbers of any alternative parts) totalling 25 parts.