Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31 & Diabelli Variations
9/1/2012, 37 Tracks, 1:10:29
Featuring
Sviatoslav Richter
Ludwig van Beethoven
Did you know?
1/7
Performer Biography
Svjatoslav Richter's first piano recital was on March 19, 1934, and after an audition with famous piano teacher Heinrich Neuhaus, Neuhaus reportedly whispered, 'this man's a genius'!
Performer Biography
Svjatoslav Richter, the pianist on this recording, was born in Zhytomyr, Ukrainia, to a German father who was a pianist, organist, composer, and professor.
Composition History
Beethoven initially refused to compose for Diabelli's project but later created the 33 Diabelli Variations, Op. 120, completing them in 1823.
Compositional Technique
The Diabelli Variations maintain the original waltz's harmonic scheme, but each variation is highly individualized, with some quoting Mozart's 'Notte e giorno' from Don Giovanni.
Recording & Production
This album features live recordings from Prague, with the Piano Sonata No. 31 recorded on June 2, 1965, and the Diabelli Variations on May 18, 1986.
Performer Biography
Svjatoslav Richter met soprano Nina Dorliak in 1945 and they remained companions for over half a century until his death.
Composition History
Anton Diabelli, a publisher and composer, launched the idea for the Diabelli Variations in 1819, commissioning composers to write variations on his waltz theme.
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Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 3 - Bagatelles, Op. 126, Nos. 1, 4 & 6 - Piano Sonata No. 29, "Hammerklavier"
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