Yes, there are still wonderful pieces by composers we think we know by heart, including these delightful variations sets by Beethoven. Of course, the “Eroica” Variations are well known, but the variations on Righini’s Veni Amore are hardly less extensive and every bit as enjoyable. Yes, some of the music is just “fun”–the Rule Britannia and God Save the King variations, and the very slight variations on a Swiss Song; but Beethoven’s powers of invention never flag, and the alternation of small and large works makes this program splendidly listenable at a sitting.
Of course, much of the credit belongs to Florian Uhlig, who delights in showing us the good time that Beethoven must have had writing these pieces. The “Eroica” Variations, for example, are often played somewhat heavily, perhaps with too much of the symphony in mind. The tune itself, of course, was used by Beethoven many times and is a deliberately trite dance melody. Uhlig never loses sight of the theme’s basic lightness, while still turning in a blazing final fugue. The Wranitzky variations are similarly dance-like, and Uhlig’s lively sense of rhythm serves him particularly well in this surprisingly substantial work. Top-notch sonics give this recital special distinction. I suspect there are many music lovers who will find this a perfect addition to their not-quite-complete Beethoven piano music collections.
