Variations

Theme and variations in D minor for Solo Cello was written  in 1887 by the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius at the age of twenty-two. It is considered a groundbreaking piece as it was the first concert work for solo cello by a major composer since the Bach Suites in 1720. It is considered unlikely that Sibelius himself ever heard Theme and variations performed in public as it was only rediscovered in 1995, long after his death.

Sibelius’ Theme and variations is a virtuosic work where the composer uses broken sounds, trills, double stopping and takes full advantage of the cello´s potential. The dancer reflects the music, plays with the variations, its repetitive form and nuances.