Prelude and Theme and Variations on a Theme by Alexander Laing (Variations on "Tasmania Waltz") Op.23 CPH270

This work was commissioned by Mark Papworth in 2021. Mark introduced me to the music and historical significance of Alexander Laing (1792–1868) and asked me to compose a theme and variations piece on what is perhaps Laing’s most well-known piece, “Tasmania Waltz”. I added the prelude in order to establish the key and to provide a contrast between a sombre opening and the light-hearted main theme and musical material for the rest of the piece.
The piece proceeds in standard theme and variation form: there’s an original statement of the theme followed by several variations, with each variation becoming technically more difficult until we reach a brilliant finale.