Six Variations on Salve tu, Domine

A broad melody over continuous motion

Salve tu, Domine takes its theme from an opera by Paisiello. The opening keyboard texture places a melody, often supported by another right-hand note, above a regular broken-chord bass. That relationship is worth establishing before exploring the six variations. The accompaniment supplies movement; it should not make the longer melody notes sound as though they have stopped singing.

Bring out the upper voice without forcing it

Try playing just the highest notes of the theme, then add their accompanying notes at a softer level. Practise the left-hand pattern separately with an even, comfortable movement. When both hands return, listen through the longer notes towards the phrase’s destination. Compare the same point in a variation, noticing how a different texture can change the character without erasing the tune’s direction.

Music in this edition

1. Six Variations on Salve tu, Domine