Jesper Madsen

Praetorius-Variationer

The Prætorius-variationer, dedicated to the organist Helge Gramstrup, was composed by the Danish organist and composer, Jesper Madsen (1957-1999). The work, subtitled 'Variations on a Motet by Michael Prætorius, Højlovet være Kongen skøn, 1609', is his largest for Organ. The theme is presented in Prætorius' own arrangement. Variation 1 has a rhapsodic, improvisatory feel: Variation 2, that of a fast movement from a Bach Trio Sonata. Variation 3 is a slow siciliano, and Variation 4's wispy scherzando complements the meditative Variation 5. Variation 6, marked Finale, starts majestically but soon evolves into a French-style toccata with the melody on the pedal reeds. The workculminates in a triumphant arrangement of the original theme. A review in the July/August issue of Choir and Organ magazine calls this work 'very approachable' and a 'very useful recital piece, although it's trickier than it looks. '