<Li> The fourth variation, marked Sostenuto, is much slower and is in 3 / 2 time with a rhythmic ostinato played by the timpani on a G ♭ 2 (bottom line of the bass clef) using "hard sticks on muted head" to create a hint of ethnic drum sound . The theme is played by the woodwinds, and then the brass join in with a series of chords . </Li> <Li> The fifth and final variation, marked Con Islancio ("with impetuousness"), is faster and begins with a long solo in the percussion section . The piccolos and flutes join in, playing the second part of the theme, and then the brass enter playing the first part . This section is in 3 / 4 and is a hemiola; the brass play as if each measure were divided into two beats, while the woodwinds play three beats to a measure . For this reason, it is often conducted in one (i.e., the conductor only conducts the downbeat of each measure). The music grows louder and more excited and ends with a final quotation of the sixteenth note melody from the first variation . </Li> <P> A typical performance of Variations on a Korean Folk Song lasts 7--8 minutes . </P>

Variations on a korean folk song program notes