Aurora, Colorado Variations is about nine to ten minutes long and is scored for double woodwinds, two horns, two trumpets, percussion and strings. The title itself was not intended to commemorate the 125th anniversary, that was just a happy accident. In fact the music itself does not really depict or represent the community in any way. The title simply explains that this piece is a set of variations composed in Aurora, Colorado for the Aurora Symphony Orchestra. It is also a reference to the Los Angeles Variations by Essa Pekka Solonen, in an attempt to somehow elevate the status of Aurora, CO to that of Los Angeles, CA.
Unlike a traditional set of themes and variations, each variation is significantly longer than the theme and the previous variations. As such within each variations are several variations. The theme has four sections: a slow chorale, a moderate-tempo sarabande, the return of the slow chorale, and a moderate-tempo contredanse. Each variations expands these different sections with repetition, variation, modulation, and the introduction of new elements. What results is a rhapsodic form that is loosely tied to the theme and variations.
It was a great honor to have my piece performed by the Aurora Symphony Orchestra and to recieve such positive feedback. I want to especially thank conductor Norman Gamboa, the members of the Aurora Symphony Orchestra, and the board, for giving me this wonderful opportunity, and for putting so much work into realizing my vision. Thank you!
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