Alexander Glazunov's Theme and variations, Op 72, originally titled 'Variations on a Finnish folk song,' had its title discreetly changed due to political tensions with Finland, which was then part of the Russian Empire.
Notable Performances
Anton Rubinstein, to whom Tchaikovsky's Six pieces on a single theme were dedicated, finally performed them in 1883, with Tchaikovsky remarking that 'they could not be played better.'
Composition History
John Field's Variations on a Russian folk song are based on the well-known Russian folk tune 'In the garden' ('Vo sadu li, v ogorode'), which appeared in the first published collection of Russian folk songs.
Composer Biography
John Field, an Irish-born artist, is credited with inventing the 'nocturne' genre and significantly influenced Russia's passion for the piano.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Mikhail Glinka described John Field's characteristic piano playing style as 'pearls on velvet,' a phrase that evokes Chopin's 'pearly touch.'
Compositional Technique
John Field's Variations on a Russian folk song preserve the original folk tune's structure, which lacks an ending and recirculates, allowing for a seamless fantasy between variations.
Composition History
Pyotr Tchaikovsky's Six pieces on a single theme, Op 21, were dedicated to his composition teacher and leading concert pianist, Anton Rubinstein.
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Mikhail Glinka: Variations for Piano
Mikhail Glinka: Variations for Piano
Reger: Piano Music - Bach Variations, Telemann Variations etc.
