Expanding Universes: Theme and Variations
Carl Czerny – Variations on a Beloved Viennese Waltz
An early work by this influential composer and pianist, who was Beethoven’s most famous student. The theme, by Schubert, is developed into a brilliant virtuosic display.
Beethoven – Six Variations Op. 34 in F Major
One of his most transcendent compositions, this work appears at a transitional point in his development as a composer.
Chopin – F Minor Ballade Op. 52
One of the most complex and subtle sets of variations ever written for piano. Not just a set of variations on an original theme but a virtual compendium of all of Chopin’s distinctive styles.
INTERMISSION
Dave Brubeck – Blue Rondo a la Turk
America’s great Jazz original – not too easy to dance to this piece!
Rachmaninoff – Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op. 42
Thrilling and passionate, this is one of the composer’s least-known great works. The theme is actually a dance tune (popular and sometimes banned) from Spain in the Middle Ages.
Granados – The Maiden and the Nightingale (from Goyescas)
This gorgeous tapestry of “Laments” displays a full palette from contemplation, passion, brooding, to pure poignancy.
Manuel Infante – Variations on “El Vito”
This slyly seductive melody, originally a tonadilla in Spain in the 1800’s, takes on a kaleidoscope of moods in this Spanish composer’s version. You will have a hard time sitting out this dance.
Conversations with the audience
Rather than a lecture-recital format, I make brief comments about the history and nature of variations as a form, how composers explore their craft in this form (their compositional universes), and talk a bit about each composer and piece before playing it.
—Dan Franklin Smith