Variations for Piano and Orchestra  

With a performing time of only eight minutes, the seven Variations present different views of the same background material: forwards, backwards, inverted, in constantly shifting and varied orchestral settings, from extended multi-colored monody to monochromatic polyphony. There is no theme as such, but the opening statement is rich in gesture, rhythmic and intervallic motives that echo throughout the piece in a subtle, non-literal way. The Variations are replete with allusions to the inspiring ancient Syrian theme “Lama Bada Yatathana”, a sophisticated and intriguing 10/8 melody.