Chopin - Variations on La Ci Darem La Mano, for piano solo

[franz_]

Does it exist? Just to perform it for piano solo. I know the introduction and Polonaise Brilliante is also performed as a solo piece, and I heard Demidenko recorded it?
Where can I find the scores? Anyone knows more info?

[stevebob]

A version specifically for piano solo would have the orchestral parts (i.e., the connecting passages and those places where the orchestra is both significant and distinct from what the soloist is playing) transcribed ("reduced") for piano.  All the scores I’ve seen of the Op. 2 Variations already have that, so there wouldn’t be any real difference from what’s presently available..

As with his concertos, Chopin’s orchestral accompaniment to Opp. 2, 13, 14 and 22 is mostly subordinate to the piano’s role.  Except during the tutti episodes, it generally provides harmonic support and only occasionally anything more than that.  The four concert pieces are well suited to solo performance; Mikuli’s edition, for example, acknowledges this explicitly with a footnote to the second variation of Op. 2 (which contains a separate ossia for the bass clef):  “Use this Bass in playing without accompaniment, the right hand to play the top-line.”

I’m certain that the Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brillante Op. 22 is performed (and recorded) far more often as a solo than with an orchestra.  The score makes plain how to approach it, and I’m not aware that Demidenko’s recording differs from what other pianists do when treating the piece as a solo work.

[thaicheow]

Can watch pianist, Valentina Lisistsa performs:

&feature=fvst

God bless.

[quantum]

I love Demidenko's recording of this.  You can find it on the disc containing the 4 Scherzi.