Adrian Connell

Suite on a Jazz Theme

Suite on a Jazz Theme' was originally written for harp and string orchestra in 1989. I wrote the work on the suggestion of the composer David Matthews, who said I should concentrate on works for smaller forces that stood a chance of getting a performance rather than the grand symphonies for large orchestra that at this time dominated my composition (three in total). I decided for this work to revisit my earlier compositions for swing band and took a theme from my big band chart 'Green Love'. I reworked the theme down to just its harmonic structure (opening section of prelude) and a small bridge passage between the main theme and solos (middle section of prelude). Based on this material I composed another six movements, turning what would have originally been improvised solos into a set of variations. (Adrian Connell)