Extreme Make-Over - Metamorphoses on a Theme by Tchaikovsky for Wind Orchestra

This new work by Johan de Meij consists of a set of metamorphoses on a theme from Tchaikovsky's well-known Andante cantabile (from String Quartet No. 1 in D). Tchaikovsky stated, "Never have I been so proud of my creative powers as when Leo Tolstoy sat in the chair next to mine listening to my Andante, and the tears ran down his cheeks." De Meij states the theme with a saxophone quartet (joined by oboes, bassoons and clarinets), followed by the first metamorphosis, which emanates from a single tone. A timpani solo forms a transition to Alla Marcia, in a neo-classical style. The following movement features the playing of tuned bottles, leading into an extensive marimba solo. This joins seamlessly to the finale, a canonic treatment of the theme, leading to a festive conclusion.