Musical Transformations focuses on some of the diverse meanings of transformation in musical composition and performance, and the less obvious ways in which a composer transforms ideas into musical notation. A preexistent theme can form the basis for variations, or a preexistent work can be transformed to a new medium, when, for example, a violin piece is arranged for piano. Varying performance styles can transform as familiar a work as our national anthem. Folk and traditional music can provide source material for new compositions, and many classical tunes have been reincarnated into the pop field. And the very essence of jazz is transformation, be it instrumental or vocal. Audio panels present examples of these borrowings and transmutations, and a musical quiz in the Astor Gallery, "I've Heard That Song Before," tests the listener's knowledge of the classical works behind a number of pop tunes.

   A British club song transformed into a national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner" is a parody; its newly created words were set to an already existing melody. Francis Scott Key, looking out over Baltimore harbor after the British attack of September 1814, saw the United States flag still flying defiantly over Fort McHenry and was inspired to write his immortal stanzas, which he set to the tune of "To Anacreon in Heaven." This tune by John Stafford Smith with words by Ralph Tomlinson was composed in 1775 or 1776 for the Anacreontic Society, a British music club that for a time held its meetings at the Crown and Anchor Tavern in the Strand. The members gathered for evening concerts (principally of instrumental music), then adjourned to the tavern for supper, after which music making continued with the singing of the club song and performance of light-hearted airs.