Kumbayah Variations

Kees Vlak composed five expressive variations on the popular folksong "Kumbayah".

Following an appropriate introduction of the thematic material, it reappears as a lively "Tarantella" (Variation 1).
The composer then, in a musical journey, takes us from Italy to Hungary with the "Gypsy Variation". This Second Variation in the minor key is opened by the primas who first presents the themes and then directs the band to a spirited csárdás.
Vienna is not far away from Hungary, which brings us to Variation 3, a "Viennese Waltz". Humorously crafted hints finally lead us to the "Blue Danube Waltz" by Johann Strauß II.
The Fourth Variation is paying homage to "Glenn Miller" and his swinging music dominating the fourties and fities of the 20th century. The swing consequently is the essential element of this variation brilliantly featuring the bright brass and the saxophones.
"Funky Rock" (Variation 5) presents heavily syncopated rhythms which are popular among the present-day youth.

Var. 1 - Italian
Var. 2 - Zigane (Gypsy Song, Czardas, Russian Gopak)
Var. 3 - Vienna Waltz
Var. 4 - Glenn Miller
Var. 5 - Funky Rock