Black Is the Color Variations is based on the classic American/Scottish folk song, discovered and then developed by John Jacob Niles. My first version of the melody and variations were completed on January 23, 1989, in San Francisco, and is scored for string quartet. On May 25, 2013, I also created a version for string orchestra.
It’s dedicated to the memory of the remarkable American folk and blues singer, Odetta, who was a family friend and who sang for us when I was a child. —PSL
for string orchestra
Publisher: Lapis Island Press (Subito Music Distribution)
Duration: 4 minutes
