Beethoven: 32 Variations on an Original Theme in C minor

[ando]

Joining in on the composer's birthday celebrations. Here's one of the great recorded performances in terms of clarity and command:

Glenn Gould, piano

[Mandryka]

Yes, I've known this performance for years an I think it is exceptional. There used to be a Gould recording f op 126/3   on you tube which was also special -- I can't find it but it's on my hard drive, it lasts 4:32

[Holden]

This has some similarities to the recording he made of the first movement of the Appassionata where the work is slowed down and essentially deconstructed.

For a more conventional take I really like what Gilels did with this piece.

[Mandryka]

Just found this old thread of mine about Beethoven's piano variations - and immediately played Cziffra's WoO 80 (for the first time in 12 years.) What I said then I say now - poetic and (hence) special.

https://groups.google.com/g/rec.music.classical.recordings/c/OyuPT56Vo-c/m/AZ74uQq-ZIUJ

[Jo498]

Gould is slightly slow (IIRC even a bit slower in his studio recording) but it's no way close to going to half speed like in the Appassionata and it works very well for the variations, I think (although I probably like Gould best in the most underrated variation set, op.34 F major).

[Holden]

The Gilels from his EMI recording.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfQsrf3cofA

He also recorded some of the other variations which are well worth a listen.

As an aside, I remember tackling this piece when I was in my mid teens and just loved playing it. It was good practice  for the left hand.