Xavier Pagès-Corella showcases his inventive approach in Variacions Grotesques, a composition that delves into various dance forms. This work is based on a harmonic progression derived from his own comic opera, Bruna de nit. Through Variacions Grotesques, Pagès-Corella explores the variation technique, creating a continuous and dynamic flow. The piece is structured around eleven interconnected variations that build up to a climax with a sustained trill in the high register, though the original theme remains elusive in its entirety.

Commissioned by the Orfeó Català Foundation – Palau de la Música in 2005, this composition exemplifies Pagès-Corella’s ability to transform traditional dance forms into a modern narrative. His work reflects a deep engagement with both historical and contemporary musical languages, offering a fresh perspective on the dance genre.