C. Saint-Saëns - Variations on a Theme of Beethoven, op.35

 

C. Saint-Saëns

 

  Variations on a Theme of Beethoven, op.35

 

Güher & Süher Pekinel - piano

 

The theme for these Variations, which date from 1874, is a quirky choice: the trio section from the minuet of Beethoven's E flat major Piano Sonata, op.31 no.3. Its characteristic leaping motif and repeated chords spur a virtuoso response from Saint-Saëns, who frequently performed the work himself with various duo partners. It demands a panoply of pianistic effects, showing off, not least, flexibility of wrist action in very fast repeated chords, fleet finger work as developed in Saint-Saëns'

own exemplary piano etudes, lightness of touch in combination with dynamic power, and a melodic warmth that remains an important hangover from Beethoven's original.