Theme and Variations
Leonard Slatkin and the 大象传媒 Philharmonic explore how composers including Rachmaninov, Handel and Beethoven have used the technique of theme and variations.
Themes and variations are a simple way of creating a big piece of music out of just one melody. But in the hands of a great composer, this idea can become rich and subtle music. With references to Handel and Beethoven, Leonard Slatkin finds out how Rachmaninov manipulates the theme in his work 'Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini'. The programme ends with a complete performance of the work - the classic recording by Vladimir Ashkenazy and Andre Previn with the LSO.
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Sergey Rachmaninov
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Performer: Alexander Gavrylyuk. Orchestra: 大象传媒 Philharmonic.Performers: Vladimir Ashkenazy (piano), London Symphony Orchestra, Andre Previn (conductor)
Broadcasts
- Christmas Day 1998 18:00大象传媒 Radio 3
- Sat 7 Aug 1999 18:30大象传媒 Radio 3