It is apt that Theme and Variation VI by Brahms has been arranged for wind band since the theme is taken from a Divertimento for wind players by Haydn. It is probably an old pilgrims chorale (St Anthony). In 1873 Brahms wrote his Variations on a theme of Haydn for orchestra. The theme itself is remarkable for its irregular phrase lengths. A strong rhythm dominated throughout Variation VI. If required, the theme may be played separately without the variation.
