“The Double-Bell Polka” for Double-Bell Euphonium and Piano Accompaniment, by Sarah Houle, 2024.
“The Double-Bell Polka” is a theme and variations style piece written with the Double Bell Euphonium in mind. The theme, a Laendler in 3/4 time, opens the piece with its playful, lilting melody. This is followed by a brief cadenza that hints at the Polka to come.
The Polka has similar melodic elements to the Laendler, but it is in a spirited 2/4 time. The Polka melody is presented, followed by Variation 1, a technical etude based off of the Polka melody that features some interesting (and challenging) bell changes.
Following Variation 1 is a short accompaniment interlude leading into Trio section, which is its own Theme and Variations. The Trio is first presented as a simple, rollicking melody followed by a variation on that which hints at the previous Polka variation.
An accompaniment interlude creates a bridge between the Trio and final cadenza. This cadenza hints at the Laendler and the Polka with elaborate elements of both, intertwining them in a flashy technical display for the soloist. The solo part gains momentum at the cadenza’s end, and, at the soloist’s lead, catapults the accompaniment back into Variation 2 of the Polka section.
This variation features triple tonging and bell changes. Another short accompaniment interlude brings the piece into the rollicking Trio melody once again. This time, the Trio is presented as a 2nd Variation followed by the 3rd Variation and Finale.
This will also have parts and accompaniment for other instruments including: Double-Bell Euphonium TC or Echo-Bell Cornet, Euphonium TC or Cornet, Euphonium BC or Trombone, and Tuba.
Enjoy The Double Bell Polka for Double Bell Euphonium and Piano Accompaniment!
Euphonious Music 