Variations on an Elizabethan Theme

(Sellinger's Round)

for string orchestra

General Information – Instrumentation – Manuscript – Publication – Arrangements – Adaptations – Recordings

General Information:

Composition:
1953. A composite work, with each movement written by a different composer. Walton contributed the finale.

First Performance:
20 June 1953. Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Aldeburgh. Aldeburgh Festival Orchestra, Benjamin Britten conductor.

Duration:
Complete work: About 16 minutes
Walton's finale: About 3 minutes

Movements:

        Theme by William Byrd, transcribed by Imogen Holst
Variation 1 Allegro non troppo by Arthur Oldham
Variation 2 A Lament. Andante espressivo     by Sir Michael Tippett
Variation 3     Andante by Sir Lennox Berkeley
Variation 4 Quick and gay by Benjamin Britten
Variation 5 Nocturne. Adagio by Humphrey Searle
Variation 6 Presto giocoso by Sir William Walton

Craggs Catalogue Number:
C61

Instrumentation:

String orchestra

Manuscript:

James Marshall and Marie-Louise Osborn Collection. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University. Osborn Music Manuscript MS.502. Autograph manuscript of all seven sections.

Publication:

Boosey and Hawkes. 1953. Score and parts are available on hire.

Recordings:

Orchestra Conductor Year Compact Disc Timing
Guidhall String Ensemble Robert Salter director 1988 RCA Victor RD87846 15'53"
BBC Symphony Orchestra Jac van Steen 1999 NMC D062 16'21"

 

WilliamWalton.net – Catalogue of Works – Orchestral Music