Variations on "Happy Birthday to You." Composed to celebrate the 90th birthdays of the composer's mother (Katherine Schlegel Ricau) and two of her friends (MaryLou Millican Weiss, Dr. Peter S. Hansen) in 2001. Following the presentation of the theme in C major, in 3/4 time and marked "Unhurried," a series of diverse variations immediately follows. Approximately Czerny Op. 299 level. Although the score contains no annotations, one might imaginatively interpret the variations as follows: a classical minuet and waltz imbued with childlike innocence; C minor representing life's trials; ragtime and romance coloring radiant youth; and rhythm and blues for middle age, having experienced both the sweet and bitter. The piece concludes with what might be described as a triumphant march, full of vigor, befitting someone celebrating their 90th birthday. Regardless of the accuracy of such interpretations, the skillful development overflows with warm humor, conveying the presence of many joyful elders in the composer's life who embrace life to the fullest. It could be called music for an era of longevity. Incidentally, the publisher of this work, Summy-Birchard, was the original publisher of the Hill sisters' "Good Morning to All," which is considered the precursor to "Happy Birthday to You" (more precisely, Clayton F. Summy before its merger with C. C. Birchard in 1957). It is also interesting that these variations were published by the venerable original source.