Album Review: Beethoven, Diabelli Variations

Diabelli variations. Photo / Supplied

Beethoven was a man of volatile emotions, a personality trait that, a few years ago, was attributed to lead poisoning. More recently, such theories have been quashed, but there is no denying that Ludwig was an irascible chap.

So, forget the gossipy stories of hot plates tossed at waiters and be aware that the title of Rage over a Lost Penny was not given to the Rondo Op 129 by the composer himself. Nevertheless, Beethoven could pen stingers of letters, particularly where money or his nephew Karl were concerned.

Legend has it that the Diabelli Variations grew out of Beethoven's rage when he was asked to contribute just one variation to a portfolio based around a harmless little waltz by the publisher Anton Diabelli.

In fact, the great man had more pressing projects. But three years later, in 1822, he unfurled a set of 33 takes on Diabelli's tune, no doubt bemused by exploring how much he could draw out of such unpromising material. The work is a pinnacle of the piano repertoire.

Paul Lewis, having distinguished himself with complete cycles of the composer's sonatas and concertos, now takes on Beethoven's Diabellic challenge. Lewis is a pianist's pianist, one who understands the weight and significance of every note. This is particularly apparent in the finely-gauged slow variations towards the end of the set.

In between these he floats the complex weave of Variation 20, with billowing rubato, perfectly catching what his teacher, Alfred Brendel, once described as "Gentle Grief".

In fact, Brendel's home-spun titles for the variations are a useful corollary here. Lewis' Variation 10 (titled "Giggling and Neighing" by Brendel) is a rush of irrepressible mirth; his Variation 14 - titled Intermezzo (to Brahms) - could blend with the younger composer's Opus 117.

The team at Harmonia Mundi have excelled themselves with a recording exemplary in its clarity and presence. My only gripe (and enough to lop a star off its rating) is the stingy 52'33" running time. A selection of Bagatelles, perfectly in keeping with the mood of these Variations, would not have gone amiss.

Beethoven: Diabelli Variations
(Harmonia Mundi, through Ode Records)

Stars: 4/5

Verdict: "English pianist dazzles in Beethoven's Diabellic challenge."