An Analytical and Educational Survey of Howard Hanson's Dies ...

25Five Variations: Melodic ElementsVariation I.Each of the five variations in Dies Natalis are based off of melodicfragments from the first phrase of the chorale. The first variation uses the first six notesof the chorale in G-sharp minor instead of the original G major; this is an unexpectedchromatic shift to minor. Horns 1and 2 have the first direct quote from the chorale inminor in measures 61 through 62:Jr f ifjjjgEx. 3: Horns 1 & 2, measures 61-62The melody consequently follows in Trumpets 1and 2, and then is carried toflutes, oboes, English horn, and cornets 1and 2, evolving harmonically as a part of theprogression throughout the ensemble. However, the core melodic elements are the same:over each chord, the melodic structure is 5-3-1-5-6-5 (see example below).s4mf::p#Ex. 4: Flute, measure 63The trumpet solo in the second measure of Variation I in measure 60 and thehorns in measure 69 have a slight variation on the chorale melody. Both trumpet andhorns start on the third instead of arpeggiating the root triad, giving length and emphasisto the new root for the G-sharp minor key center at measure 60 and the B-minor keycenter at measure 69.