Russian Variations

"Russian Variations" is a captivating exploration of the theme of variations through the lens of Russian musical heritage, as interpreted by the renowned pianist Piers Lane. Released on April 5, 2024, via Hyperion, this album is a testament to Lane's virtuosity and his deep understanding of the classical repertoire.

The album opens with a delightful prelude by John Field, a composer who spent much of his career in St. Petersburg, setting the stage for the substantial sets of variations that follow. The core of the album is composed of three monumental works: Glazunov's "Variations on a Russian Folksong," Tchaikovsky's "Theme and Variations, Op. 72," and Rachmaninov's "Variations on a Theme of Chopin, Op. 22." Each of these works showcases the composers' unique voices and Lane's exceptional technical skill and musical sensitivity.

Glazunov's variations are based on a Russian folk melody, "Vo sadu li, v ogorode," and offer a charming blend of traditional Russian themes and sophisticated harmonic language. Tchaikovsky's Op. 72 is a tour de force of piano writing, with each variation exploring a different mood and character, from the playful to the introspective. Rachmaninov's Op. 22 is a monumental work, with 22 variations that range from the lyrical to the virtuosic, culminating in a thrilling finale.

In addition to these major works, the album also includes six shorter pieces by Glazunov, Op. 21, which provide a delightful contrast to the larger works. These pieces, ranging from a prelude to a scherzo, showcase Glazunov's versatility and Lane's ability to bring out the unique character of each piece.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 20 minutes, "Russian Variations" is a substantial and rewarding listening experience. Lane's playing is impeccable, with a clear sense of structure and a deep understanding of the musical language of each composer. The album is a testament to Lane's artistry and his commitment to bringing the classical repertoire to life.