Variations on Waltzing Matilda

Les Davey
Variations on Waltzing Matilda
For SATB recorders
Orpheus Music, OMP 245
As Orpheus music is Australia's recorder music publisher, it is not surprising to find that one of their new publications is a set of variations on Waltzing Matilda by Les Davey. There are four variations in this set.
The theme has a jazzy introduction but then is a straightforward setting of the tune in F Major. In Variation 1, which is also in F major, The theme isn't all that apparent until half way through when it pops up in the treble part as the refrain of " waltzing Matilda, waltzing Matilda...". Variation 2 is a doleful variation in F minor (be warned 4 flats!). Variation 3 returns to F Major and is in 6/8 time. This variation is mainly for a nimble-fingered descant player. The final variation is a lively jazz piece with most of the interest in the descant part and is a good ending to the set. Although at first sight, this set of variations doesn't appear to be too difficult (apart from the four flats), it does need reasonably  competent players to produce a satisfying performance.

Janice Ormerod , The Recorder Magazine, Summer 2014 p.64