Frederic Rzewski was an American composer, born in Massachusetts. He lived for a long time in Belgium and Italy, until he died in 2021. One of his best known works is this, a set of variations on a Chilean protest song of the same name. He composed it in 1975, during the reign of Pinochet. The song itself is from 1973, a little earlier.
The composition starts with this simple melody. This simple tune is presented as a tune from the people. A naive, catchy melody. But then Rzewski picks up this tune and twists and shapes it into all kind of forms. He goes through 36 of these, along the way shaping it into all kinds of forms of music. He shows that whatever you do, this tune will stand. Through the ages, through all kind of cultures, this people’s melody will always be there. Finally, he ends the hour long variations with a recapitulation of the original theme, but after all these experiences, the people are wiser, more mature. The melody has gained meaning and depth along the way.
I didn’t know Rzewski at all, and I didn’t quite warm up to this. Theoretically it is very interesting, and worth a retry. I think I will pick this up again, to see if I can get more out of it. I like the genre of variations, so I’ll give it a retry later.