Fantasy Variations on a Theme by Niccolo Paganini / James Barnes

Fantasy Variations on a Theme by Niccolo Paganini (1989) by James Barnes
Niccolo Paganini (1782 - 1840) was one of the greatest virtuoso violinists of all time; he also was a noted composer. The theme of his Caprice in A-minor for Violin (Op. 1, No., 24) has been utilized by many composers, including Liszt, Brahms, Rachmaninoff, and Lloyd Weber. Once again, it forms the basis for Fantasy Variations, a symphonic orchestration of Paganini’s famous work. Stated at the beginning of the work, the theme undergoes a score of variations as instrument sections or pairs of soloists are featured. The tempos and moods range from the delicate adagio of the English horn to the nimble presto of the flutes and clarinets. The contra-alto clarinet brings forth a deep misterioso variation while the brass are well represented with variations for the trombones, french horns, tubas, and solo euphonium. The percussion section is featured in yet another variation.

The piece was commissioned by Col. John Bourgeois for the United States Marine Band and was premiered by the Marine Band at the 1988 Music Educators National Conference convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Recorded live in concert by the Metropolitan Wind Symphony, Avi Mehta, Guest Conductor, in Lexington MA, on March 4, 2018.