Eight Variations on Dieu d'amour

A march that needs more than weight

Grétry’s operatic chorus supplies the theme for these eight variations. The score’s opening alternates chordal gestures with lighter, ornamented replies, including immediate changes of dynamic. Its march background gives the music direction, but a uniformly forceful touch would hide much of its character. Listen to the difference between a firm arrival and the softer continuation that follows it.

Make the changes of touch audible

Take two neighbouring gestures and practise only their contrast: a clear chord, its release and the notated rest, then a lighter answer. Keep the pulse steady through each change of colour. When a variation introduces more notes, ask which layer carries that same musical exchange. Try voicing the upper note of a chord gently towards the next melody note instead of giving every chord the same emphasis.

Music in this edition

1. Eight Variations on Dieu d'amour