Listen along with the score here: (54) Variations of Joy, by Dr. Daniel Thrower, for Brass Quintet, in Six Movements - YouTube

Brass quintet in six short movements. Duration, approx. 8 minutes.

Movement I: “Family Vacations.” Fond memories of childhood vacations as well as leading out on road trips as a father, are reflected by the excitement of this movement. Feel free to reminisce on your own family trips as you listen to or perform this movement.

Movement II: “Jovial Banter.” I was going to call this movement “Roughhousing,” but that is only part of what this playful piece conjures. Besides wrestling my five boys (with my one girl amusedly watching off to the side), friendly joking with friends about rival universities, and playing harmless pranks on friends and family, all seem to be rolled up into this truly jovial movement. It has its own tricks and surprises to one who has never heard it before.

Movement III: “Holiday Foods.” This waltz displays more elegance and structure than most of the other movements. It primarily elicits memories of the distinctive Thrower Christmas feasts, for which we created a unique tradition. Our yuletide banquets hail from a different country every year. Through the decades, we have discovered and adopted many international favorites that we continue to enjoy! Note the middle section of the waltz gets a bit spicy…

Movement IV: “Pets.” Though as an adult I have not had the pleasure of enjoying personal pets, my youngest son developed an affinity for YouTube videos about funny cats and dogs. Nevertheless, my favorite childhood pet was “Blackie,” the splendid satin feline featured on the cover of this work. Pets are often quirky and extremely fun, as is this music. If it doesn’t put a smile on the listener’s face, someone in the line of musical communication may have failed.

Movement V: “Sharing God’s Wonders.” Slow and wondrous, the music in this movement yearns to be shared. The theme, though only somewhat related to the other variations, strays to its own content after the first motivic notes. The melody is borrowed from a 2010 band composition of mine titled “Tribute to Joel Robison,” an ancestor, and a Texas hero. One passion I have enjoyed through the years is family history, truly a God-given legacy from which I draw much inspiration.

Movement VI: “Personal Triumphs.” Indeed a subject to celebrate, triumphs of self-mastery, conquests over difficult tasks, and achievements of monumental goals all prompt me to break out in triumphant fanfares!