Ludvig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) based the “Eroica” Variations Op. 35 on a theme [many listeners will recognize] he later used in the last movement of his Third Symphony; he noted that they “are worked out in a completely new manner, and each in a separate and different way.” The greatest pianist of his time, he built brilliance, showmanship, novelty and moments of ecstasy into this work, which also contains great humor. The fugue (track 17) is exciting. The Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) Variations in F Minor (Sonata) Hob. XVII:6 have a double theme. The F minor theme (with 2 variations) is hesitant and sad, the F major (with 2 variations) is sunny and elegant; a dramatic, then desolate coda follows. The themes beguile and induce a mood of reflection. Robert Schumann’s (1810-1856) Symphonic Variations Op. 13 each explore some element of piano playing. The 1st 11 are based on a theme by Baron von Fricken, the guardian of his 1st fiancée, the 12th on an opera theme by the composer, Heinrich Marschner. Mr. Ax includes several variations left out by Schumann and added for publication after his death by Johannes Brahms.

01 Beethoven “Eroica” Variations. Op. 35, Introduzione. 3:49. Starts with variations on the bass below the theme (heard at 3:09).
02 Variation 1 0:39. lilting
03 Variation 2 0:51. rapid arpeggios dance.
04 Variation 3 0:43. broad humor
05 Variation 4 0:39. I’ll let you in on the joke.
06 Variation 5 1:06. A sweet young thing.
07 Variation 6 0:39. A serious statement.
08 Variation 7 0:39. Complicated music box.
09 Variation 8 1:14. Romantic.
10 Variation 9 0:40. Chattering heralds.
11 Variation 10 0:44. Ballerinas
12 Variation 11 0:56. Children play quietly (mostly)
13 Variation 12 0:44. Chase.
14 Variation 13 0:45. Gamboling about.
15 Variation 14 1:28. Introspective.
16 Variation 15 5:59. Sitting in church.
17 Finale. Alla fuga 4:59. Learned, but beautiful fugue.
18 Joseph Hadyn: Variations in F minor. 12:37
19 Robert Schumann: Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13. Thema 1:33. Somewhat gloomy, elegaic, stately.
20 Etude 1 1:20. Un poco piu vivo. Off we go.
21 Etude 2 3:14. Andante. Sing sadly.
22 Etude 3 1:10. Vivace. Bright light shines thru stain glass windows.
23 Etude 4 0:54. Allegro marcato. Quick march.
24 Etude 5 1:18. Scherzando. Dancing lightly, cleverly.
25 Variation 4 3:00. Reflective, remembering.
26 Variation 5 3:07. Remembering happier moments.
27 Etude 6 1:01. Agitato. Agitated, asking why.
28 Etude 7 1:12. Allegro molto. In search of a solution
29 Etude 8 2:32. Sempre marcatissimo. In the depths.
30 Variation 2 2:45. You and I quietly together.
31 Etude 9 0:44. Presto possible. Sprites flit about.
32 Etude 10 1:18. Allegro con energia. Serious, at the castle walls.
33 Etude 11 2:45. Andante espressivo. A night with Spanish guitars
34 Etude 12 6:46. Allegro brillante. Heroic bravado.