Beethoven: Diabelli Variations

Beethoven’s Opus 120, the 33 Variations on a Waltz by Anton Diabelli, is an extraordinary and great work: in many ways ahead of its time, it is exceptionally complex but always accessible. The imagination Beethoven applies to Diabelli’s theme – itself ‘rich in solid musical facts’ (Tovey) – leads to a wealth of original structures and ideas. Incomprehensible as late Beethoven was to many, Diabelli himself recognized its genius and advertised the work as a ‘great and important masterpiece’.

Diana Boyle is a fine pianist who records little but prepares each recording with years of thought, consideration and meditation on the music. Her interpretations are individual and thought-provoking, often delicate, not always conforming to the norm which pianists of lesser talent will follow, but looking to breathe new life and spirit into classic masterpieces.

Like all of Boyle’s work this is a very carefully prepared and well crafted performance, an excellent addition to the library of recordings of this work.