Mozart, Brahms, Saint-Saens, Reger: Variations

On this CD:

1. Variations for piano, 4-hands (5) in G major on an original theme, K. 501
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Dale Bartlett

2. Variations on a Theme of Haydn, for 2 pianos in B flat major (St. Anthony Variations), Op. 56b
Composed by Johannes Brahms
Performed by Dale Bartlett

3. Variations on a Theme of Beethoven, for 2 pianos, Op. 35
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
Performed by Dale Bartlett

4. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Mozart for 2 pianos, Op. 132a
Composed by Max Reger
Performed by Dale Bartlett

Tracks:

Andante
Var. I
Var. II
Var. III
Var. IV
Var. V
Chorale St. Antoni: Andante
Var. I: Andante Con Moto (Poco Piu Animato)
Var. II: Piu Vivace
Var. III: Con Moto
Var. IV: Andante Con Moto
Var. V: Poco Presto (Vivace)
Var. VI: Vivace
Var. VII: Grazioso
Var. VIII: Poco Presto
Finale: Andante
Moderato Assai
Tempo Di Minuetto
Allegro
Poco Piu Mosso
Tempo Del Tema
Molto Allegro
Moderato Assai
Presto Leggerissimo
Alla Marcia Funebre (Allegro Moderato)
Allegro
Presto
Andante Grazioso
Var. I: L'istesso Tempo (Quasi Un Poco Piu Lento)
Var. II: Poco Agitato (Piu Mosso)
Var. III: Con Moto
Var. IV: Vivace
Var. V: Quasi Presto
Var. VI: Sostenuto (Quasi Adagietto)
Var. VII: Andante Grazioso
Var. VIII: Moderato
Fuge: Allegretto Grazioso

Customer Reviews:

An Overlooked Gem.......2006-03-05

From first note to last, this album is pure delight. I bought it mainly for the Saint-Sa?ns (long a favorite from an old LP), which receives flawless, sparkling treatment here -- as fine a reading as one could wish for (the theme, incidentally, comes from the third movement of Beethoven's Piano Sonata 18 in E-flat, Op. 31/3).

The rest of the program is no less captivating. The Mozart and Brahms performances equal the very best I've heard. I am especially grateful that these artists have introduced me to the Reger (if you know his stupendous solo-piano Variations & Fugue on a Theme of Telemann, Op. 134, you'll hear echoes of its fugal finale in the comparable section of this two-piano work. In fact, the Telemann Variations are only two opus numbers beyond this set). Reger takes his theme from the opening variation movement of Mozart's A-major Piano Sonata, K. 331 (which ends with the famous *Rondo alla turca*).

Bartlett and Marchand bring just the right touch of vivid characterization to each work. There's not a false gesture anywhere, and their playing communicates conviction, boundless energy, and joy. I do hope they record more four-hand repertoire (how about some Schubert?). Their love for the music and their exceptional interpretive skill shine through every note. The recording is clear and bright without being clinical or harsh, and the engineers have recorded the pianos at a comfortable listening distance that nicely captures the acoustic space while allowing even the most complex passagework to emerge clearly.

In short, this one's a real winner. If you love superior piano playing, welcome these superlative musicians to your collection. You'll be glad you did.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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