Variations on O Christmas Tree for Clarinet Choir

Variations on "O Christmas Tree" for clarinet choir enhances the familiar Christmas carol through a set of variations depicting the spirit of the traditional lyrics from the opening "O Christmas tree you stand in verdant beauty," to the flavor of Three Kings "bearing gifts," to the brighter "much pleasure dost thou bring me," to the light staccato of "its tiny light that makes each toy to sparkle bright," to the marcato style of "do not fade in winter's snow." All the parts contribute throughout the variations with the bass clarinet offering a solo touch of holiday cheer at the close. The clarinet range extends to E6 in the 1st clarinet part and C6 and below for the other parts; rhythmically as short as sixteenth notes with some triplets mostly in 3/4 meter. A total duration of some 4 minutes. First through 4th Clarinets (2 parts each); Alto Clarinet and Bass Clarinet (1part each).