Brahms: Variations

Olga Kern - Piano

Variations on a Hungarian Song, op.21 #2; Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, op.24; Variations on a Theme by Paganini, op. 35, book 1; Variations on a Theme by Paganini, op. 35, Book 2

The variations on a theme by Handel, and the two sets of variations on a theme by Paganini must be among the most difficult piano music Brahms ever wrote, requiring an almost super-human technique – as challenging for the pianist as Paganini’s etudes are for the violin. Not surprisingly, Ms Kern effortlessly captures the ever-changing moods of the music, from the delicacy of Variation 5 in the first set, to the robust bravura of the first variation in the second.
- excerpt from Wholenote Magazine review, July 2008
Variation form runs right through Brahms' creative output. The composition of variations on themes from sources as diverse as Handel, Paganini and Hungarian folk music was a significant element in the forging of his personal musical language from the traditions of Bach and Beethoven.

Price: $22.98