Variations and Theme

For Solo Piano

This piece was loosely inspired by Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations. Each variation was inspired by a friend who was important in the composer’s life at the time the work was created.

Var. 1: Complement of the Chef

Var. 2: Dark and Rising Sun

Var. 3: A Man After God’s Own Heart

Var. 4: Thoroughly Modern

Var. 5: Ludie und Wolfie

Var. 6: Tennis Elbow

Var. 7: Question Marks (and Regrets)

Theme: P.S.–S.P.35

Approx. total performance time: 18:00

This piece is, more or less, a traditional ‘theme and variations’, with a couple notable exceptions:

Unlike most such pieces, the variations all come before the theme.
The performer is instructed that Variation 1 must be played first and the Theme last. All other variations can be played in any order the performer desires.

The music of Charles O. Beck

Variations and Theme

For Solo Piano