Montrose Theme & Variations

Programme Notes

After an extensive study of the Theme and Variations musical form, I felt ready to put my own stamp on it. Compositionally, I’m fascinated by how this form allows you to deviate significantly from the original theme. I embraced this philosophy to the fullest in my approach:

• Theme: Regal, noble, tonal, lyrical, smooth, classical in style
• 1st Variation: Sad, sombre, still tonal and smooth, but in a minor key with rhythmic alterations
• 2nd Variation: Vivace, lively, faster, more rhythmic and dissonant, atonal
• 3rd Variation: Marcato, well-marked, with a pointillistic texture alla Webern
• 4th Variation: Maestoso, majestic, returning to a lyrical and classical style

The word Montrose in the title refers to the street in Toronto where I had my first apartment.

– Frank Horvat