Gaudeamus

Composer Notes... Variations on the theme sung as a hymn to the words “Thine be the glory”, from Judas Maccabaeus by George Frideric Handel 1685-1759.

This piece was commissioned for Jill Forrest on the occasion of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The theme is introduced by a Toccata – Ritornello. Then follows a variation in Minuet style. Bach’s ornamented chorale style then appears in the second variation. Lastly the Ritornello reappears and leads into the final variation which combines the Ritornello with the majestic entry of the theme in the pedals.