Air and Variations
Handel's wonderful theme and variations, known as "The Harmonious Blacksmith" from Suite Number 5, is arranged by noted conductor William Mathis. The theme is straightforward. The variations progress with the note values growing shorter, from eighth notes expressing the theme in the first variation to 16th notes in the third. The second variation is in 12/8 time and utilizes chimes. This piece is 91 measures set in G Major.