Variations on a theme by Paganini : for the piano : op. 35 : in two books
Variations · Op. 35
Johannes Brahms 1833–1897
Variations
Form
Op. 35
Catalogue
Score
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Difficulty
Our estimate Virtuoso
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Themes & character
Subtitled Studies·Formidably difficult·On the famous caprice·Composed 1863
At a glance
- Catalogue
- Op. 35
- Form
- Variations
About the piece
Twenty eight variations in two books on the theme of Paganini's twenty fourth caprice, the melody that has attracted more composers than almost any other, from Liszt and Brahms to Rachmaninoff and Lutoslawski.
Brahms subtitled the work Studies, and it is among the most technically punishing things in the repertoire, systematically working through thirds, sixths, octaves and every other difficulty a pianist faces. Clara Schumann called them the witch's variations and found them nearly unplayable.
The composer
Johannes Brahms
1833–1897
Johannes Brahms was a German composer, pianist, and conductor of the mid-Romantic period. His music features expressive counterpoint, freer dissonance, rhythmic vitality, and traditional forms. His works include four symphonies, four concertos, a Requiem, much chamber music, and hundreds of folk-song arrangements and Lieder.
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