Variations on "This Land is Your Land" (Version for Solo Piano)

“This Land is Your Land” is simultaneously a patriotic hymn for schoolchildren, a rallying cry for immigrants, and, in Woody Guthrie’s original version, a sardonic protest song. But the message remains the same: America belongs to everyone, regardless of their background.

My variations aim to reflect the reality of America’s situation. Each variation grows more distant from the theme and more violent in character, until giving way to a gentle plea for unity. We are left wondering, “Whose land is this land?”

Details

  • For solo piano
  • Category: Solo
  • Year Composed: 2023
  • Duration: 7'
  • Tags: American Folk Music, Social Justice
  • View Score ›

Recordings

    Lara Downes This Land album art

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Performances

  • 8 APR 2025
  • Variations on "This Land is Your Land" (Version for Solo Piano)
  • Meany Center for the Performing Arts at University of Washington
  • Seattle, WA
  • Lara Downes, piano
  • 15 JAN 2025
  • Variations on "This Land is Your Land" (Version for Solo Piano)
  • Joe's Pub at The Public Theater
  • New York, NY
  • Lara Downes, piano
  • 21 JUL 2024
  • Variations on "This Land is Your Land" (Version for Solo Piano)
  • Newport Classical Music Festival
  • Newport, RI
  • Lara Downes, piano
  • 6 JUL 2024
  • Variations on "This Land is Your Land" (Version for Solo Piano)
  • Lincoln Center
  • New York, NY
  • Lara Downes, piano
  • 3 JUL 2024
  • Variations on "This Land is Your Land" (Version for Solo Piano)
  • Brevard Music Center
  • Brevard, NC
  • Lara Downes, piano