Kees Vlak

Big Ben Variations

The main theme of these variations is composed of the first four notes played each hour by the carillon of the world famous bell tower of the London Parliament. After a foggy introduction the first variation presents us the Guards on duty in front of Buckingam Palace, whereas the second variation portraits a nice Irish lady visiting London town. In the third variation we meet the legendary Teddy-Boys with their leather outfits and impressive motorbikes. After the description of the bagpipers in the fourth variation, the composer concludes with an overall picture of the majestic British capital.