The Giving Tree Variations
Commissioned for the inaugural High Point University Piano Competition, The Giving Tree Variations draws its inspiration from two sources. The first is a beautiful metal tree sculpture on the campus of HPU, which symbolizes the university’s holistic approach to learning. Whenever I see the sculpture, it reminds me of Shel Silverstein’s classic book “The Giving Tree,” which has just celebrated its 50th anniversary and provided the 2nd source of inspiration for the composition.
Medium: Solo Piano
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Composed: 2015
Duration: 6:20
Difficulty: Grade 5
Commission: High Point University
Commissioned for the inaugural High Point University Piano Competition, The Giving Tree Variations draws its inspiration from two sources. The first is a beautiful metal tree sculpture on the campus of HPU, which symbolizes the university’s holistic approach to learning. Whenever I see the sculpture, it reminds me of Shel Silverstein’s classic book “The Giving Tree,” which has just celebrated its 50th anniversary and provided the 2nd source of inspiration for the composition. The work breaks down into five main sections – an introduction & theme, which sets the mood and provides the primary melodic and motivic ideas, and a short set of four variations, each corresponding to the four “gifts” given to the boy by the tree.
