Variations for Orchestra is an orchestral composition by the American composer Elliott Carter. The work was commissioned by the Louisville Orchestra and was composed between 1953 and 1955. It was given its premiere on April 21, 1956, by the Louisville Orchestra under the conductor Robert Whitney, both to whom the work is dedicated. This is Carter's next major work after his first String Quartet.
Composition Variations for Orchestra has a duration of roughly 24 minutes and consists of twelve connected movements comprising an introduction, a theme, nine variations, and a finale: Introduction: Allegro Theme: Andante Variation 1: Vivace leggero Variation 2: Pesante Variation 3: Moderato Variation 4: Ritardando molto Variation 5: Allegro misterioso Variation 6: Accelerando molto Variation 7: Andante Variation 8: Allegro giocoso Variation 9: Andante Finale: Allegro molto
Instrumentation The work is scored for an orchestra comprising two flutes (2nd doubling piccolo), two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns, two trumpets, two trombones, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, percussion, harp, and strings.
Reception Variations for Orchestra has been praised by music critics. Anthony Tommasini of The New York Times wrote, "[Carter's] goal was to write a work of exhilarating variety. Indeed, one way to listen to this piece is to forget everything about the theme-and-variations form and revel instead in the boldly contrasting moods, harmonies, colors and characters of the music." Tim Page of The Washington Post similarly remarked:
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