Parisian conductor, composer, pianist, and author Frédéric Chaslin has written 5 operas and over 50 melodies for soprano, mezzo and baritone. Excerpts of this operas have been sung and recorded by the most famous sopranos (Netrebko, Dessay, Peretyatko, and Damrau who recorded Chaslin's arias in her CD Damrau Forver, Warner). Symphonic compositions include the Gipsy Dance for violin, orchestra and a cello concerto. This is one of his most recent works.

Theme and 11 Variations for Trombone and Orchestra (Orchestra | Piano reduction) stems from Chaslin’s fascination for Mahler's Symphony No. 3, specifically the famous solo trombone featured in its first movement. He seized upon this musical moment as a catalyst for a more extensive exploration by employing the technique of variations.

“Variations were the obvious way to go. A variation takes part of the theme and develops or transforms it to make it a completely original piece. Each variation has to have its own strong personality, but still reflect one of many aspects of the original theme” — Frédéric Chaslin

Chaslin takes listeners on a chronological journey, reflecting Mahler's life and influences. The expedition commences with a spirited I. Polka, reminiscent of Mahler's earliest composition at the age of 6. This is followed by the variation II. “Childhood: Bohemian dance”, evoking Mahler's formative years in Bohemia. The III. Leipzig Fugue is a reference to one of Mahler's first important positions as a conductor as well as the city’s Bach shaped musical tradition.

Continuing the exploration, Chaslin incorporates a jazz variation in IV. “Jazz 1”, capturing Mahler's interest in the jazz genre before his untimely passing in 1911. Progressing into the V. “Just Mahler” variation, which Chaslin describes as a near “study” of Gustav Mahler, the composition then takes a turn with VI. "Cauchemar in 12 Tones". It symbolizes Mahler’s struggle to reconcile his own style with emerging trends, such as Schönberg's then avant-garde music. Schönberg himself, who had initially mocked Mahler’s music, was converted by the “thunderbolt” of Mahler’s Third Symphony, which he considered a work of genius (Stuckenschmidt 1977, 103). In accordance with Mahler’s 6^th symphony, Chaslin recommends the use of a hammer.

VII. “Eroica” embodies the heroic character found in the final segment of the theme. Jazz resurfaces in the subsequent variation VIII. “Jazz 2”, while IX. “Inachevée" (eng: Unfinished) draws inspiration from Mahler's incomplete Symphony No. 10, capturing its last elements and moods.

X. “Vision and the beyond" transforms the theme into contemporary styles such as lounge, hip-hop, and rap. The XI. Final Variation circles back to the theme's origins, culminating into “delirium”, as Chaslin describes, and climaxes with a frantic Yiddish dance.

Theme and 11 Variations for Trombone and Orchestra is dedicated to the talented trombonist Enzo Turriziani, who performed as the featured soloist in the world premiere 2021. Chaslin's composition presents a compelling musical narrative, rich in variation and exploration.