Lisa Moore closed her part of the program with Bruce Stark's Variations on Ode To Joy (1997), a fantasy on the theme from the finale of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, couched in jazzy rhythms, rumbling bass figures and a healthy measure of overt virtuosity. It was as if Liszt, while musing on the Beethoven work, were suddenly possessed by the spirit of Art Tatum.
— Allan Kozinn, New York Times
Chika Nagisa plays Variations on Ode to Joy in rehearsal in 2011
A grand finale was provided by Bruce Stark, composer of Variations on Ode To Joy—and it was in this piece that surprising bits of the joyous melody would emerge amidst the frenetic passages of jazz, syncopation, and all kinds of different rhythms.
— Wendy Brazil, ArtSoundFM 92.7 Radio, Australia
Bruce Stark's Variations on Ode To Joy was absolutely the audience favorite of the concert. An odd mixture of variation form and hilarious commentary on the tune combining unexpected mashups of jazz-rock stylings with serious and ecstatic cascades of sound. Lisa Moore thrilled with her precision and phenomenal dramatic buildup to an incredible climax.
— Jeff Harrington, Sequenza21 (Nov 2006)
PROGRAM NOTES
Variations on Ode To Joy (1997) is a free-form variations based on Beethoven’s famous melody from his 9th symphony, combining jazzy, syncopated elements with more classically-derived development of the material in a playful yet virtuosic tribute (or shall I say romp). Celebratory and, well, joyous, it contains many bravura passages involving the harmonies and rhythms of jazz, contrapuntal writing and polyrhythms. Perhaps the master himself would chuckle and crack a wry smile upon hearing this demanding little piece honoring his enduring tune.
— Bruce Stark
(Originally entitled Ode To "Ode To Joy", I changed the title in 2019 to better reflect the character of the music.) It was recorded by British pianist Seann Alderking on Vivid, his 2006 release from Red Kite Records. The piece was given its U.S. premiere in 2006 by Lisa Moore as part of Keys To The Future contemporary piano music festival in New York City, and has received numerous performances in Germany (pianist Kai Schumacher), Japan (pianist Chika Nagisa), Australia and the United States.