Mozart / Brahms / Saint-Saens: Variations for Two Pianos
1/1/2000, 13 Tracks, 1:10:00
Featuring
Dale Bartlett
Jean Marchand
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Johannes Brahms
Camille Saint-Saëns
Max Reger
Did you know?
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Composition History
Brahms' Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56b, was first written for two pianos, and then he created an orchestral version that later overshadowed the original.
Composition History
The theme for Brahms' Variations on a Theme by Haydn is now believed to be by Ignaz Pleyel, not Haydn, though Brahms found it in a collection attributed to Haydn.
Composition History
Mozart's Andante with Five Variations in G, K. 501, was originally intended for two pianos, but his publisher, Anton Hoffmeister, changed it to a piano duet to sell more copies.
Composition History
Saint-Saëns' Variations on a Theme by Beethoven, Op. 35, were dedicated to Alfred and Marie Jaëll, a husband-and-wife piano team who premiered the work in 1874.
Historical Context
The early 19th century saw the pianoforte become the keyboard instrument of choice for both concerts and home music-making, leading to a dramatic increase in compositions for two or more keyboards.
Performer Biography
Jean Marchand, one of the pianists on this album, is also a professional actor who has appeared in numerous plays, television series, and films.
Composer Biography
Camille Saint-Saëns was passionate about two-piano works, composing eighteen pieces for the combination, including arrangements of his popular Danse Macabre and Carnival of the Animals.
