The "Gorbasew" Variations

composer: Jeff Smallman

duration: 11:15

Picc.1.2.2.2  3.2.2.0  Perc. 4.4.3.2.2

Commissioned by Orchestra London, Canada, this work is the result of an educational project.  In collaboration with a grade 2 class, Jeff Smallman developed the main theme of this work, and then wrote each of the four subsequent variations based on the class's "direction."  The variations explore a number of moods and instruments, moving from "sad" to "sneaky", and from "angry" to "peaceful".  A wonderful piece of music.