Name: Introduction, Variations, and Finale on "The Friendly Beasts" by Chris Kovarik
Duration: 7 min 32 s
Description: A short set of variations based on the Mediaeval tune Orientis Partibus. This set explores many colours and textures of organ music, as well as many compositional styles. A show piece for both organist and the organ. This piece is found in my collection, Love and Rejoicing, published by Augsburg Fortress.

This setting places Richard Colligan's modern tune in a variety of contexts, from bucolic 19th Century, to neo-Baroque counterpoint, to jazz-inflected modernism. This piece is part of my collection Love and Rejoicing, published by Augsburg Fortress.

God, Be the Love to Search and Keep Me (Green Tyler)

A toccata based on a traditional South African tune. This brilliant and energetic piece starts quietly and continually builds to a thrilling climax. Not in the style of a classic French toccata, but with fire and energy of one. In my collection, Love and Rejoicing, published by Augsburg Fortress.

Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises

A short set of variations based on the Mediaeval tune Orientis Partibus. This set explores many colours and textures of organ music, as well as many compositional styles. A show piece for both organist and the organ. This piece is found in my collection, Love and Rejoicing, published by Augsburg Fortress.

Introduction, Variations, and Finale on "The Friendly Beasts"

This is a quiet and contemplative setting of the familiar tune, the Ash Grove. The mood is serene, almost mystical, concluding with an enigmatic progression of chords, deepening the thoughtful and reflective mood. This piece is found in my collection, Love and Rejoicing, published by Augsburg Fortress.

Let All Things Now Living (The Ash Grove)

A gentle setting of the modern hymn tune Copeland. The short setting presents a surprising number of styles and moods.

Look Who Gathers at Christ's Table

A quiet and thoughtful setting of the well-known tune, Mit freuden zart. This deceptively simple piece plays with thematic transformation in the first verse, and stasis in the second.

Lord Christ, When First You Came to Earth

This is a setting of the well-known tune, Munich. A fiery and exuberant introduction leads to a quiet presentation of the tune accompanied by a fluttering flute. This builds to a climax and is followed by a brief fugato section. This, in turn, leads to a bright, toccata-like statement of the tune. 

O Word of God Incarnate

A brief setting of the tune Salley Gardens. This pieces ranges quite widely, presenting a surprising number of textures, and a wealth of harmonic and rhythmic complexity.

Sometimes Light Surprises

A joyous and brash setting of the hymn tune Hendon. This short, bouncy, and boisterous piece presents the tune twice, with syncopated rhythms, simple textures, and exuberant energy.

Introduction, Variations, and Finale on "The Friendly Beasts"

Chris Kovarik

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