Title
Orchestral Variations
For
orchestra
Scoring
2(=picc).1.corA.2(II=bcl).2-4.2.3.1-timp.perc(2):crot/glsp/t.bells/ xyl/bongos/conga dr/cowbell/cyms/tam-t/wdbl/BD/SD/TD-harp-strings
ARCO Number(s)
76
Category
Orchestral
Duration
14'
Premiere
  • Louisville, KY, March 5th, 1957 (The Louisville Orchestra, cond. Robert Whitney)
Commission Info
Robert Whitney and the Louisville Orchestra
Publisher
Boosey & Hawkes
Publishing Status
Published
Year Orchestrated
1957

Program Note

One of Copland's favorite pieces was his early Piano Variations. Disappointed that the work was performed infrequently, he decided to transcribe the variations for orchestra in response to a commission from the Louisville Orchestra. He had thought about making the arrangement for a long time. "It was a unique challenge to think of this material in terms of orchestral color," Copland said.

Author
Vivian Perlis
Year
1998