Stephen Heller (1813-1888): 21 variations on a theme of Beethoven op.133

[storyseller]

My first public attempt (and probably world premiere) at Heller's masterpiece, 21 Variations on Beethoven's 2nd movement of the legendary "Appassionata"!

This is indeed a regretably forgotten masterpiece of a forgotten composer.

Expecting comments both for my playing (besides wrong notes etc...) but on the piece as well, for reactions on it range from "this score is good only to help light your fireplace", "for a Heller to dare rewrite a Beethoven is not only bad taste, it's sacrilige" (world class professor in an international masterclass), to "it's ok, but why waste your time with this nonsence" (pianist, friend of mine), to "it's brilliant, it's a shame we dont have this kind of pianists/composers nowdays" (another world class professor and pianist in another international masterclass) .

What do u think?

(part 1)

(part 2)

(part3)

Enjoy.

[ronde_des_sylphes]

I could imagine that this piece might polarize opinion. I wasn't 100% convinced by it, but there are some interesting things in it. In particular I thought the last three minutes were very clever. I must say it's certainly made me re-evaluate my preconceptions about Heller.

The playing is convincing throughout; it's a shame you had to compete with a virtuoso cougher at the start. Thanks for uploading this.

[thalbergmad]

Well done sir, excellent job. I have only listened to the first part so far, but piece plus playing sounds good to me.

Despite what some people may feel about the composition, it is important that music like this is recorded and not allowed to die. The price you occasionally have to pay is negative comments from tossers and those whose minds have already closed its doors.

I congratulate you on having the nuts to do this and look forward to many more forgotton ones.

Thal

[storyseller]

Thank you both.

Coughers are a problem in live performances as always. There is actually a baby crying at some part, why do people have to bring them in classic concerts???

I could imagine that this piece might polarize opinion. I wasn't 100% convinced by it.

 
Me neither, it's a little bit elusive still, and as I will have to play this in July again I'm still trying to unravel Heller's intentions: was it intended as a hommage to Beethoven, as a joke, as a chalenge to outdo Beethoven in his own court? Should I emphasize the light/humourus side of it or the serious/formalistic one?

Oh well, we'll never find out probably... Maybe it's just what it is: music!

[miken49]

I personally thought that the forms were so blatantly infringed that it was comical , but I enjoyed it.

Regardless of Heller's intentions it still is an intresting and unusual set of variation to say the least. 

[pianowolfi]

I like your playing!
I think really there are no limits. Why not write a set of variations on this magnificent theme? I think Heller's are very good and very interesting and you play them very well!
Kudos