Morning Star Variations

This composition is based on the beautiful chorale melody Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern (How lovely shines the Morning Star). Like the chorale fantasias by Bach and Buxtehude, this is a fantasia in which the original theme is used and altered throughout the work in various ways. Slow passages are alternated with fast ones, and finally a grand tutti arrives in which the original chorale theme sounds joyfully in a majestic finale. For extra colour and dimension, an optional organ part has been added, that can be used when the circumstances are appropriate. On the full score, the various organ entries are indicated.