Variations on a Simple Theme

For flute, viola, and harp.Composer note: When the Myriad trio approached me to write them a piece I was very excited. I love the combination of flute, viola, and harp, and the repertoire for this ensemble holds a special place in my heart. As I started to work on the piece, I quickly realized that I have many ideas for textures and for combinations of these three wonderful instruments. I knew that I had to choose a form that accommodates frequent changes and a large variety of ideas. A set of variations (or perhaps more accurately, a chaconne), seemed to be a good choice for the task — as it allowed me to explore a large variety of textural and tonal ideas that are bound together by a simple underlying chord progression.The structure of the piece opens with the theme, followed by twelve variations, and then returning to the theme. I kept the theme very simple, reminiscent of a Troubadour's song. The low flute has a wonderful color that reminds me of ancient European folk music, especi