This set of fun variations, composed by Alessandro Palazzani, will take you through different musical styles and quotes from the repertoire, for a fun-tastic celebration of any friend's birthday.
Of medium-advanced difficulty, they are playable on lever or pedal harp.
The book also includes a simplified and technically less demanding version.
After a driving introduction, the musical theme "Happy birthday to you" is presented in a simple and concise way.
Var. 1 (Classique) is in the style of Mozart, with delicate Rococo embellishments and a simple modulation to the dominant.
Var. 2 (Fantasque) is inspired by Hasselmans' Follets and explores the special effects of the harp technique. Without pause we move on to
Var. 3, a passionate Tango with a central section modulating to the minor key.
Var. 4 is a waltz with references to the cadenza from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, Strauss's Blauen Donau and Hasselmans' Petite Valse. The dance movement turns into
Var.5 (Recitative) which offers a moment of calm and reflection, on elaborate impressionist harmonies.
After a transition similar to the intro,
Var. 6, a lively ragtime, concludes the set in a joyful party atmosphere.