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I am going to repeat two items that we heard last week, the two sets of variations by Liszt and Rachmaninov on a theme of Paganini, to reinforce the variation techniques as used in the Romantic period. Then I will fill out our programme with more music of Schumann, the Theme and Variations on the name “Abegg”, and the Andante & Variations for 2 Pianos, 2 Cellos & Horn.

We also start with Schumann today: the piece Widmung, or Dedication. It was a wedding gift to his wife, the pianist Clara Wieck , when they were married on September 12th 1840. This piece is a special kind of variation, as it was originally for voice, but Liszt took the melody and reworked it for a wonderful piano solo. Franz Liszt - Liszt_ Grandes Études de Paganini, S. 141_ No. 6 in A Minor Performed by Daniil Trifonov · Robert Schumann - Widmung (transcribed by Franz Liszt) Performed by Evgeny Kissin · Robert Schumann - Theme and Variations on the name 'Abegg,' Op. 1 Performed by Evgeny Kissin · Robert Schumann - Andante & Variations for 2 Pianos, 2 Cellos & Horn Performed by Vladimir Ashkenazy, Malcolm Frager, Barry Tuckwell & Amaryllis Fleming · Sergei Rachmaninoff - Rachmaninoff_ Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43_ Introduction – Variations 1-24 Performed by Vladimir Ashkenazy and the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by André Previn

This evening we relax to some of the gems of the later 17th and early 18th centuries:

George Frideric Handel_ Water Music Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348_ I. Ouverture (Grave - Allegro)

George Frideric Handel_ Water Music Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348 - III. Allegro - Andante – Allegro

Antonio Vivaldi - Flute Concerto in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3, RV 428 Il gardellino Allegro, Cantabile and Allegro

Georg Philipp Telemann - Viola Concerto In G, TWV 51_G9_ 1. Largo

Domenico Scarlatti Sonata in D minor, K141

Johann Sebastian Bach - The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1 Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846_1

François Couperin - Pièces de Clavecin, Book 2, Ordre VI_ No. 5, Les baricades mistérieuses

Antonio Vivaldi - Concerto for 2 Violins in D Minor, RV 514_ II. Adagio

Johann Sebastian Bach - Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068_ II. Air on the G String

Antonio Vivaldi - Concerto for Lute, 2 Violins and Continuo in D Major, RV 93_ II. Largo

George Frideric Handel - Water Music Suite No. 2 in D Major, HWV 349_ II. Alla Hornpipe George Frideric Handel - Water Music Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348 I. Ouverture (Grave - Allegro) Performed by The English Concert conducted by Trevor Pinnock · George Frideric Handel - Water Music Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348 - III. Allegro - Andante – Allegro Performed by The English Concert conducted by Trevor Pinnock · Antonio Vivaldi - Flute Concerto in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3, RV 428. Il gardellino. Allegro, Cantabile and Allegro Performed by Emmanuel Pahud and the Australian Chamber Orchestra conducted by Richard Tognetti · Antonio Vivaldi - Flute Concerto in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3, RV 428. Il gardellino. Allegro, Cantabile and Allegro Performed by Emmanuel Pahud and the Australian Chamber Orchestra conducted by Richard Tognetti · Antonio Vivaldi - Flute Concerto in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3, RV 428. Il gardellino. Allegro, Cantabile and Allegro Performed by Emmanuel Pahud and the Australian Chamber Orchestra conducted by Richard Tognetti · Georg Philipp Telemann - Viola Concerto In G, TWV 51_G9_ 1. Largo Performed by Pinchas Zukerman and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra · Domenico Scarlatti - Sonata in D minor, K141 (Transcribed by Eduardo Fernández) Performed by Eduardo Fernández · Johann Sebastian Bach - The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1 Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C Major BWV 846 Performed by Angela Hewitt · Johann Sebastian Bach - The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1 Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C Major BWV 846 Performed by Angela Hewitt · François Couperin - Pièces de Clavecin, Book 2, Ordre VI No. 5, Les baricades mistérieuses Performed by John Williams · Antonio Vivaldi - Concerto for 2 Violins in D Minor, RV 514 II. Adagio Performed by Viktoria Mullova, Giuliano Carmignola, and the Venice Baroque Orchestra conducted by Andrea Marcon - · Johann Sebastian Bach - Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068 II. Air on the G String Performed by David Bell and the Berliner Philharmoniker conducted by Herbert von Karajan · Antonio Vivaldi - Vivaldi_ Concerto for Lute, 2 Violins and Continuo in D Major, RV 93 II. Largo Performed by Celin Romero and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields conducted by Iona Brown · George Frideric Handel - Water Music Suite No. 2 in D Major, HWV 349 II. Alla Hornpipe Performed by The English Concert conducted by Trevor Pinnock · Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Serenade in G Major, K. 525 Eine kleine Nachtmusik - IV. Rondo Performed by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields conducted by Sir Neville Marriner

As an appetizer for today, we listen to Rachmaninov’s Prelude in G minor.

In today’s programme there are another three works. Two major items and then another shorter work to conclude.

The first big work is Rachmaninov’s Variations on a theme of Paganini.

Then we hear Liszt's "Variations on a Theme by Paganini, S. 161" (also known as "Paganini Etudes")

To round out our programme today we have a very famous Etude by Liszt entitled “Un Sospiro”

Don’t miss this virtuosic programme, featuring some of the repertoires most difficult music to perform. Sergei Rachmaninoff - Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43_ Introduction – Variations 1-24 Performed by Vladimir Ashkenazy with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by André Previn · Franz Liszt - Grandes Études de Paganini, S. 141_ No. 1 to 6 Performed by Daniil Trifonov · Franz Liszt - Grandes Études de Paganini, S. 141_ No. 1 to 6 Performed by Daniil Trifonov · Franz Liszt - Grandes Études de Paganini, S. 141_ No. 1 to 6 Performed by Daniil Trifonov · Franz Liszt - Grandes Études de Paganini, S. 141_ No. 1 to 6 Performed by Daniil Trifonov · Franz Liszt - Grandes Études de Paganini, S. 141_ No. 1 to 6 Performed by Daniil Trifonov · Franz Liszt - Grandes Études de Paganini, S. 141_ No. 1 to 6 Performed by Daniil Trifonov · Franz Liszt - 3 Études de Concert, S. 144 No. 3 in D-Flat Major: Un sospiro Performed by Daniil Trifonov

Our theme today is: Music that paints vivid images of the countryside and nature’s beauty.

I have nine items for you that capture both the serenity and grandeur of nature, from tranquil streams to soaring landscapes.

Ludwig van Beethoven – Pastoral Symphony No. 6, Op. 68 (1st movement: Awakening of Cheerful Feelings on Arrival in the Countryside)

Ludwig van Beethoven – Pastoral Symphony No. 6, Op. 68 (2nd movement: Scene by the Brook)

Ralph Vaughan Williams – Fantasia on Greensleeves

Jean Sibelius – Andante

Frederick Delius – On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring

Ottorino Respighi – The Birds (Preludio)

Ottorino Respighi – The Birds (The Dove)

Samuel Barber – Adagio for Strings

Aaron Copland – Appalachian Spring: Simple Gifts Ludwig van Beethoven - Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 Pastoral_ I. Pleasant, cheerful feelings aroused on approaching the countryside Performed by the European Festival Orchestra conducted by Johannes Walter · Ludwig van Beethoven - Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 Pastoral_ II. Szene am Bach. Performed by the Berliner Philharmoniker conducted by Herbert von Karajan · Ralf Vaughan Williams - Fantasia on Greensleeves Performed by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields conducted by Sir Neville Marriner · Jean Sibelius - Andante Festivo Performed by the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra conducted by Neeme Järvi · Frederick Delius - On hearing the first Cuckoo in Spring Performed by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields conducted by Sir Neville Marriner · Ottorino Respighi - The Birds 1. Prelude Performed by the San Francisco Symphony conducted by Edo de Waart · Ottorino Respighi_ The Birds, P. 154 – 2. The Dove Performed by the San Francisco Symphony conducted by Edo de Waart · Samuel Barber - Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 Performed by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields conducted by Sir Neville Marriner · Aaron Copland - Simple Gifts from Appalachian Spring Performed by The Boston Pops Orchestra conducted by John Williams

Today we are continuing our exploration of the influence of Beethoven on later composers, especially Brahms, by listening to some compositions of each, which are in the popular category of Theme and Variations.

Three sets are by Beethoven, based on God Save the King, Rule Britannia, and one of his themes.

The other major work today is Brahms’ Theme and Variations on a theme of Handel’s.

This, along with my comments are designed to give you an insight into this centuries old structure, popular with audiences, composers and performers alike for hundreds of years! Rudolf Buchbinder & Ludwig van Beethoven - Beethoven_ 7 Variations on God Save the King in C Major, WoO 78 · Rudolf Buchbinder & Ludwig van Beethoven - Beethoven_ 6 Variations on an Original Theme in F Major, Op. 34 · Murray Perahia & Johannes Brahms - Händel Variations, Op. 24 · Rudolf Buchbinder & Ludwig van Beethoven - Beethoven_ 5 Variations on Arne's Rule Britannia in D Major, WoO 79

Today I have 11 items for you, covering the spirit of the dance in a wide variety of styles you are sure to enjoy!

1. Kabalevsky – Comedians’ Galop

2. Strauss II – Pizzicato Polka

3. Bartók – Romanian Folk Dances

4. Piazzolla – Libertango

5. Debussy – Golliwogg’s Cakewalk

6. Saint-Saëns – Danse Macabre

7. Falla – Spanish Dance No. 1

8. Khachaturian – Sabre Dance

9. Borodin – Polovtsian Dances

10. Delibes – Pizzicati from Sylvia

11. Grieg – Halling Dmitri Kabalevsky_ The Comedians - Suite, Op. 26 - Galop of the comedians Performed by the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Loris Tjeknavorian - · Johann Strauss II Pizzicato Polka (1870) Performed by the Wiener Philharmoniker conducted by Willi Boskovsky · Bela Bartók - Romanian Folk Dances Performed by David Oistrakh and Vladimir Yampolsky · Astor Piazzolla – Libertango Performed by the Astor Piazzolla quintet · Claude Debussy Children's Corner L. 113_ VI: Golliwog's Cakewalk Performed by Seong-Jin Cho · Camille Saint-Saëns - Danse macabre, Op. 40 Performed by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields conducted by Sir Neville Marriner · Manuel de Falla - Spanish Dance No. 1 (from La vida breve) Performed by Itzhak Perlman and David Garvey · Manuel de Falla - Danza n.º 2 de «La vida breve», piano (1904) Performed by Paco M Aranda · Aram Khachaturian - Gayaneh - Sabre Dance Performed by the Wiener Philharmoniker · Akexander Borodin - Polovetzian Dances Performed by the Orchestra of Lubeck · Léo Delibes - Pizzicati (Suite) from the Ballet Sylvia Performed by the New Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras · Edvard Grieg - Norwegian Dances, Op. 35_ No. 4, Allegro molto Performed by the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Paavo Järvi

Today’s programme has the theme Romantic Reflections, and I present for your enjoyment these 12 items which are designed to leave you relaxed and calm.

• Scriabin Nocturne in A-flat major

• Schubert – Impromptu in G-flat major

• Schubert – Impromptu in A-flat major

• Fauré – Sicilienne

• Tchaikovsky – Waltz from Sleeping Beauty

• MacDowell – To a Wild Rose

• Franck – Panis Angelicus

• Grieg – Wedding Day at Troldhaugen

• Clara Schumann – Romance in A minor

• Saint-Saëns – The Swan

• Brahms – Intermezzo in A major

• Chopin – Étude in E major ("Tristesse") Alexander Scriabin - Nocturne in A Flat WoO 3 Performed by Valentina Lisitsa · Franz Schubert – Impromptus in G-flat major and A-flat major Opus 90 Performed by Krystian Zimerman · Franz Schubert – Impromptus in G-flat major and A-flat major Opus 90 Performed by Krystian Zimerman · Gabriel Fauré – Sicilienne Performed by James Galway · Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Waltz from “The Sleeping Beauty Suite” Opus 66a Performed by the Berliner Philharmoniker conducted by Herbert von Karajan · Edward MacDowell – “To a Wild Rose” from “Woodland Sketches” Opus 51 Performed by Harvey Lavan Van Cliburn · Caesar Franck – Panis Angelicus Performed by Cecilia Bartoli, Cinzia Maurizio, Luigi Piovano and Daniele Rossi · Edvard Grieg – Wedding Day at Troldhaugen Lyric Pieces, Book 8, Op. 65 No. 6. (arr. for orchestra) Performed by the BBC Scottish Symphony conducted by Jerzy Maksymiuk · Clara Schumann – Romance in A minor from 3 Romances, Op. 22 No. 1 WoO 3 Performed by Emmanuel Pahud and Eric Le Sage · Camille Saint-Saëns – Carnival of the Animals_ XIII. The Swan Performed by Yo-Yo Ma, Philippe Entremont, and Gaby Casadesus · Johannes Brahms – Intermezzo in A major from Sechs Klavierstücke, Op. 118_ II Performed by Arcadi Volodos · Frederick Chopin – Étude in E major (

Beethoven’s Piano Variations and Fugue in E-flat major, Op. 35 (also known as the “Eroica” Variations) and Schumann’s Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 are two of the most ambitious variation sets of the 19th century. While both works are built on variation techniques, they approach form, texture, and thematic development in distinct ways.

Variation techniques allow a composer to demonstrate creativity, technical skill, and emotional range. Elaboration and contrast as well as emotional progression, but with structural unity, is a primary objective. In this regard Variations are like a much extended development section of a Sonata form.

Beethoven was especially prolific and heavily influenced later composers as we will see in Schumann’s Symphonic Etudes today. Ludwig van Beethoven - 15 Piano Variations and Fugue in E flat, Op. 35 “Eroica Variations” Performed by Alfred Brendel · Ludwig van Beethoven - 15 Piano Variations and Fugue in E flat, Op. 35 “Eroica Variations” Performed by Alfred Brendel · Ludwig van Beethoven - 15 Piano Variations and Fugue in E flat, Op. 35 “Eroica Variations” Performed by Alfred Brendel · Ludwig van Beethoven - 15 Piano Variations and Fugue in E flat, Op. 35 “Eroica Variations” Performed by Alfred Brendel · Ludwig van Beethoven - 15 Piano Variations and Fugue in E flat, Op. 35 “Eroica Variations” Performed by Alfred Brendel · Ludwig van Beethoven - 15 Piano Variations and Fugue in E flat, Op. 35 “Eroica Variations” Performed by Alfred Brendel · Ludwig van Beethoven - 15 Piano Variations and Fugue in E flat, Op. 35 “Eroica Variations” Performed by Alfred Brendel · Ludwig van Beethoven - 15 Piano Variations and Fugue in E flat, Op. 35 “Eroica Variations” Performed by Alfred Brendel · Ludwig van Beethoven - 15 Piano Variations and Fugue in E flat, Op. 35 “Eroica Variations” Performed by Alfred Brendel · Ludwig van Beethoven - 15 Piano Variations and Fugue in E flat, Op. 35 “Eroica Variations” Performed by Alfred Brendel · Ludwig van Beethoven - 15 Piano Variations and Fugue in E flat, Op. 35 “Eroica Variations” Performed by Alfred Brendel · Ludwig van Beethoven - 15 Piano Variations and Fugue in E flat, Op. 35 “Eroica Variations” Performed by Alfred Brendel · Ludwig van Beethoven - 15 Piano Variations and Fugue in E flat, Op. 35 “Eroica Variations” Performed by Alfred Brendel · Ludwig van Beethoven - 15 Piano Variations and Fugue in E flat, Op. 35 “Eroica Variations” Performed by Alfred Brendel · Ludwig van Beethoven - 15 Piano Variations and Fugue in E flat, Op. 35 “Eroica Variations” Performed by Alfred Brendel · Robert Schumann - Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 Performed by Ivo Pogorelich · Robert Schumann - Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 Performed by Ivo Pogorelich · Robert Schumann - Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 Performed by Ivo Pogorelich · Robert Schumann - Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 Performed by Ivo Pogorelich · Robert Schumann - Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 Performed by Ivo Pogorelich · Robert Schumann - Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 Performed by Ivo Pogorelich · Robert Schumann - Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 Performed by Ivo Pogorelich · Robert Schumann - Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 Performed by Ivo Pogorelich · Robert Schumann - Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 Performed by Ivo Pogorelich · Robert Schumann - Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 Performed by Ivo Pogorelich · Robert Schumann - Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 Performed by Ivo Pogorelich · Robert Schumann - Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 Performed by Ivo Pogorelich · Robert Schumann - Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 Performed by Ivo Pogorelich

This week we will enjoy a programme of “Sundowner” music.

Easy listening for the end of the day.

The programme:

Franz von Suppé – The Light Cavalry Overture

Leroy Anderson - The Syncopated Clock

Leroy Anderson - The Typewriter

Carl Maria von Weber (Arranged by Hector Berlioz) Invitation to the Dance, Op. 65

Dmitri Kabalevsky - The Comedians: Galop Op 26

Paul Dukas - L'Apprenti sorcier

Ferdinand Ries - Piano Concerto Opus 151 - III. Rondo: Allegro vivace

Dmitri Shostakovich - Twenty-Four Preludes, Op. 34 No. 7 In A Major - Andante Arr. For Viola and Piano

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K. 331 III. Rondo alla Turca: Allegretto

Franz Lehár - Gold and Silver Waltz Op. 79 Franz von Suppé – The Light Cavalry Overture Performed by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel · Leroy Anderson - The Syncopated Clock Unknown performers · Leroy Anderson - The Typewriter Unknown performers · Franz Lehár - Gold and Silver Waltz Op. 79 Performed by the Wiener Philharmoniker conducted by John Eliot Gardiner · Dmitri Kabalevsky - The Comedians: Galop Op 26 The Philadelphia Orchestra & Eugene Ormandy - · Carl Maria von Weber (Arranged by Hector Berlioz) Invitation to the Dance, Op. 65 Performed by the Berliner Philharmoniker, conducted by Herbert von Karajan · Ferdinand Ries - Piano Concerto Opus 151 - III. Rondo: Allegro vivace Performed by Christopher Hinterhuber · Dmitri Shostakovich - Twenty-Four Preludes, Op. 34 No. 7 In A Major - Andante Arr. For Viola and Piano Performed byKim Kashkashian and Lera Auerbach · Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K. 331 III. Rondo alla Turca: Allegretto Performed by Mitsuko Uchida · Paul Dukas - L'Apprenti sorcier Performed by the Berliner Philharmoniker conducted by James Levine

This week we will enjoy a programme of “Sundowner” music.

Easy listening for the end of the day.

The programme:

Joaquín Rodrigo - Adagio from Concierto de Aranjuez

Johann Sebastian Bach - Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068_ II. Air on the G String

Erik Satie - 3 Gymnopédies_ No. 1, Lent et douloureux

Joseph Haydn - String Quartet in C Major, Op. 76 No. 3, Hob. lll_ 77 Emperor - II. Poco adagio, cantabile

Luigi Boccherini - Minuet from String Quintet in E Major, Op. 13 No. 5

Stanley Myers – Cavatina from “The Deer Hunter”

Frédéric Chopin - Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 in E Flat Major

Gioacchino Rossini - Overture to “The Italian Girl in Algiers”

Johannes Brahms - Waltz, Op. 35, No. 15 in A-Flat Joaquín Rodrigo - Adagio from Concierto de Aranjuez Performed by Norbert Kraft · Johann Sebastian Bach - Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068_ II. Air on the G String Performed by David Bell with the Berliner Philharmoniker conducted by Herbert von Karajan · Max Bruch - Eight Pieces for Clarinet, Viola, and Piano_ Nachtgesang_ Andante con moto Performed by The Bruch Trio (Jerry Kirkbride, clarinet, Jesse Levine, viola, Rex Woods) · Erik Satie - 3 Gymnopédies_ No. 1, Lent et douloureux Performed by Khatia Buniatishvili · Joseph Haydn - String Quartet in C Major, Op. 76 No. 3, Hob. lll_ 77 Emperor - II. Poco adagio, cantabile Performed by the Emerson String Quartet, · Luigi Boccherini - Minuet from String Quintet in E Major, Op. 13 No. 5 Performed by Mischa Maisky and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra · Stanley Myers – Cavatina from “The Deer Hunter” Performed by Craig Ogden · Frédéric Chopin - Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 in E Flat Major Performed by Jan Lisiecki · Gioacchino Rossini - Overture to “The Italian Girl in Algiers” Performed by the New York Philharmonic conducted by Leonard Bernstein · Johannes Brahms - Waltz, Op. 35, No. 15 in A-Flat Performed by Vladimir Horowitz