Sarabande

Op.54 1981

David Hellewell

The sarabande is an ancient dance form in triple time, usually slow and stately; there is a well-known example by Handel. Hellewell’s sarabande is subtitled “Classical-Rock” Variations, but there are also other types of musical variations, some of monumental stature.
The opening theme is of a gentle, stately character spread over a wide compass of limpid arppegiated figures, through which the main melody emerges - made possible by the superb resonance of the modern concert grand piano. There are many variations, bridge passages and extensions of differing character and dynamism ; some of these are entitled: Limpid, light legato; Heavy Rock; Gently swinging; Rock bridge; Molto appassionato; Landing approach; Latin bridge; Tenderly; Heavy jazz, and others.