Trio Variations

Trio Variations is written for a smaller ensemble within a wind quintet- horn, clarinet, and bassoon. Because of this, it works well for wind quintet's that want to feature different members of the group within a larger performance or dedicated musicians that can't come up with a full wind quintet. It's opening theme is a jaunty tune full of energy and over the course of several variations, the melody develops and explores new emotions and tonalities. There are solo moments for each instrument as well as ensemble sections, but frequently I enjoyed writing each line as having its own flourishes in a quasi-imitative style. This gives the effect that each instrument is exploring and varying the themes on their own as well as in a collective form.

The difficulty of this piece is well suited for college or professional ensembles if done in full, but also works for high school students if a movement or two is removed, which I fully support doing.