Theme and Variations, Op. 6 No. 2

Instrumentation: piano solo

Composed: 1949 (completed July 15)

Performance Time: 22 min.

Download the Score (pdf, 600 KB)

Program Note:
Eight variations bookended respectfully by a theme and fugue, this neo-romantic suite explores the many colors of the instrument. Each short variation develops a fresh perspective on the theme, from glitteringly lyrical to wildly bombastic. A concert piece waiting to be discovered.

I. Theme (1:30) -- LISTEN
II. Variation I (0:45) -- LISTEN
III. Variation II (2:15) -- LISTEN
IV. Variation III ( 0:30)
V. Variation IV (2:00) -- LISTEN
VI. Variation V (1:30) -- LISTEN
VII. Variation VI (1:45) -- LISTEN
VIII. Variation VII (2:00)
IX. Variation VIII, funeral march (4:30) -- LISTEN
X. Fugue (5:15) -- LISTEN

Ruth Palmer, piano. Recording courtesy of Minnesota Public Radio at the Gene Gutche Birthday Bash, Sept. 17, 2007. Ultan Recital Hall, University of Minnesota.

---

Also recorded by distinguished Norwegian pianist Eva Knardahl, August 10 1949, in Northrop Auditorium, Minneapolis, MN

Read more about Ms. Knardahl here:

Wikipedia entry: Eva Knardahl
Music Information Centre of Norway