Fantasy Variations (2005) for alto saxophone and piano was written for saxophonist Paul
Wehage and is dedicated to him and to American composer George Perle (on his 90th
birthday).
The work is cast as two presentations of the theme surrounding five free variations -- all
played without break. The theme serves as the basis of the musical material for the entire
work as well as the structural template for each variation. Also, each variation contains
material referring back specifically to the previous variation.
The opening theme is declamatory and massive. The first variation is fast and limber. The
second variation is introspective and stratified. The third variation is fleeting. The fourth
variation is distant and spare. The fifth variation is fast and driving, and the final theme
begins whispered and slowly regains its declamatory nature before an intensely hammered
coda.