The Brass Variations

Be sure to reference how this variation compares to the original theme and the other variations on the Thematic Fragments page,

Well, I’m just having too much fun here. This variation really only uses a version of the original theme to give the trombone a lively accompaniment to its nice, properly melodic solo. That melody is handed to the trumpets, before everything transitions to a playful end.

The title, “The Skip,” is a kind of tongue-in-cheek reference to the fact that the rhythm is, well, odd — 9/8, divided up into groups of 4, 2, and 3. You could think of it as an 8/8 measure, divided up oddly, and with an added “skip” as an extra note at the end of each measure. I do switch to 4/4 for a few measures, but then, back we go, skipping again! This should be pretty demanding for players, but should also be fun!