"L'Arte della Variazione" is a captivating exploration of virtuosity and musical ingenuity, featuring the legendary violinist Michael Rabin. This album, released on April 1, 2016, under the Praga Digitals label, is a testament to Rabin's extraordinary skill and the timeless appeal of the compositions it showcases.
The album spans a diverse range of works centered around the theme of variation, drawing from the masterful compositions of Paganini, Liszt, and Brahms. It opens with Paganini's iconic "24 Caprices for Solo Violin," a cornerstone of violin repertoire known for its technical demands and expressive depth. The album also includes Liszt's "Études d'exécution transcendante," showcasing the pianist's virtuosic prowess, and Brahms' "Variations on a Theme by Paganini," a work that blends technical brilliance with lyrical beauty.
"L'Arte della Variazione" is a rich tapestry of musical brilliance, featuring 64 tracks that span approximately 79 minutes. The album is a collaborative effort, featuring performances by Géza Anda, Thomas Zehetmair, Arthur Rubinstein, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and others, each contributing their unique talents to this musical journey.
Rabin's performance is a highlight, demonstrating his unparalleled technique and deep musicality. The album is a celebration of the art of variation, offering listeners a chance to experience the genius of these composers through the lens of some of the most accomplished musicians of their time. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album promises a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2022 Little Tribeca2016 Praga Digitals
Tracks
24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op. 1, MS 25: No. 1 in E Major (Andante)Niccolò Paganini, Michael Rabin
Études d'exécution transcendante, S. 140: No. 6 in A Minor (Quasi presto, a capriccio)Franz Liszt, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book I: ThemaJohannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book I: Variation IJohannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book I: Variation IIJohannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book I: Variation IIIJohannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book I: Variation IVJohannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book I: Variation V (Espressivo)Johannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book I: Variation VIJohannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book I: Variation VIIJohannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book I: Variation VIIIJohannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book I: Variation IXJohannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book I: Variation XJohannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book I: Variation XI (Andante)Johannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book I: Variation XIIJohannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book I: Variation XIII (Vivace e scherzando)Johannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book I: Variation XIV (Allegro - Con fuoco - Presto ma non troppo)Johannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book II: Variation IJohannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book II: Variation II (Poco animato)Johannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book II: Variation III (Piano et leggiero)Johannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book II: Variation IV (Poco allegretto)Johannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book II: Variation V (Dolce)Johannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book II: Variation VI (Poco più vivace)Johannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book II: Variation VII (Leggiero e ben marcato)Johannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book II: Variation VIII (Allegro)Johannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book II: Variation IXJohannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book II: Variation X (Feroce, energico)Johannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book II: Variation XI (Vivace)Johannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book II: Variation XII (Poco andante)Johannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book II: Variation XIII (Un poco più andante)Johannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book II: Variation XIVJohannes Brahms, Géza Anda
Three Paganini Caprices, Op. 40: III. Caprice No. 3 in A Manor (Vivace)Karol Szymanowski, Thomas Zehetmair, Silke Avenhaus
Variations on a Theme by PaganiniWitold Lutosławski, Prague Piano Duo, Martin Hršel, Zdenka Hršel
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Introduction. Allegro vivaceSergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation I (Precedente)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Tema. L'istesso tempoSergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variations II (L'istesso tempo)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation III (L'istesso tempo)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation IV (Più vivo)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation V (Tempo precedente)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation VI (L'istesso tempo)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation VII (Meno mosso, a tempo moderato)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation VIII (Tempo I)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation IX (L'istesso tempo)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation X (L'istesso tempo)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XI (Moderato)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XII (Tempo di minuetto)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XIII (Allegro)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XIV (L'istesso tempo)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XV (Più vivo scherzando)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Arthur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner