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SKU: EC.6535
Composed by David Conte. Instrumental Solo. Secular, 21st Century, Marian. Score & instrument part. Duration 11 minutes. E.C. Schirmer Publishing #6535. Published by E.C. Schirmer Publishing (EC.6535).ISBN 600313465352. UPC: 600313465352. 8.5" x 11" inches.
Marian Variations for harp solo was written for and is dedicated to harpist Ruth Inglefield, Professor of Harp at the Peabody Conservatory. In 1975, I was a student in Dr. Inglefield's Music History class at Bowling Green State University, where I was pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Composition. Dr. Inglefield arranged for me to study in Paris with Nadia Boulanger, which I did from 1975-78, making me one of her last composition students and utterly changing my life. This piece is written in gratitude for Dr. Inglefield's vision and generosity.
The work is based on my own Ave Maria for SATB chorus which was commissioned in 1991 by the San Francisco male vocal ensemble Chanticleer. Each of the four variations is based on the main melody of the Ave Maria and is separated by interludes built of contrasting material, all leading to a literal statement of the motet after the fourth variation. Thus, though the piece is largely intended for use in solo recitals, it could be played as part of a liturgical service where the motet is also sung.
I am grateful to Sonja Inglefield for her expert and detailed editing of the score. Harpists Steve Main and Michael Rado also offered valuable suggestions. -David Conte.