Oxford-Variations, op. 70 (2005)

Hartwig Barte-Hanssen (b. 1961) — Oxford-Variations, op. 70 (2005) for organ

“Oxford-Variations”, op. 70 (2005) was written after the composer played a concert at Oxford Cathedral in England. The work is an unusual set of fantasy-variations. It is based primarily on the B-A-C-H theme, which is heard in the central part of the piece as a series of many tiny variations (most state the theme only once). These variations are quite different in character and sound. Finally, an extended “arioso animato” brings the music back to the opening idea again.

German composer and organist Hartwig Barte-Hanssen (b. 1961) studied at the University of Hamburg where his teachers in music included Rose Kim, Eberhard Müller, and György Ligeti. He has appeared as a concert organist throughout Europe and serves as organist and choirmaster at St. Bartholomew in Wilster. Barte-Hanssen has composed works in varied genres including solo and chamber works and a number of cantatas and oratorios.