This dynamic arrangement of the tune we know as the children's song 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' is a real crowd pleaser. The variations zip through quickly with cascades of notes and 'circus music' from the piccolos leading to a whirlwind ending and raptuous applause. Encore material par excellence!
These variations are based on a humorous 19th century student hymn from Trinity University College, Wales, with the original song title ‘There Is a Tavern in the Town’. In the first half of the 20th century, the song was popular in the United States, but often the original lyrics were either edited or even replaced with new ones. In 1945, at the Potsdam Conference, in a concert for the leaders of the three victorious countries, the song was first performed in translation into Russian. It then became popular in the Soviet Union, and later I heard it as a child performed by my friend’s mother. My Variations on this song were first performed by The Grand Flute Ensemble from Moscow, and I dedicate this piece to them.
Performance duration (approx): 2'30
