Variazioni con Tema

for piano (solo), ensemble, sampler and tape

22 min

I. Beethoven is Fading Away

II. Beethoven is Angry

III. Beethoven is Dead

In Variazioni con tema (2020) for piano and ensemble, serious allusions to Beethoven are juxtaposed with whimsical, thoroughly humorous homage-like sequences, forming a very unique message for the anniversary year.

The three movements show us three very different worlds. The first movement begins with the Adagio cantabile from Beethoven's "Pathétique", at first quite normally, only with mechanical noises (interpreted by the ensemble), like an old record. In the course of the movement, we can witness the total decay of it: a homage to oblivion.

The second movement, as the longest and most complex of the three, forms the centre of the piece. Composed in scherzo form, we hear conversation-like instrumental guests, percussion-like samplers, wildly layered Beethoven and Varga quotations, with a little Ligeti thrown in. This overriding creative world is only chaotic at first glance, deep inside there is actually strict order. Last but not least, it's also terribly funny.

The last movement (an extended version of my Blumenstück) is a lyrical-dramatic farewell with free improvisational instrumental elements and stereo tape. 

It is possible to play the movements separately, but it is recommended to play at least two of them. I+II and II+III work great, I+III works less well.