Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Sir Clifford Curzon's masterful piano performances with this exquisite album, released on August 17, 2018, under Decca Music Group Ltd. This collection is a celebration of classical piano prowess, featuring iconic works by Beethoven, Schubert, and Britten.
The centerpiece of the album is Beethoven's "Eroica Variations," a tour de force of 15 variations and a fugue in E-flat Major, Op. 35. Curzon's interpretation brings out the intricate beauty and depth of each variation, showcasing his technical brilliance and artistic sensitivity. The piece is a testament to Beethoven's genius and Curzon's ability to convey the composer's vision with unparalleled clarity and emotion.
Complementing Beethoven's masterpiece are Schubert's "Six Moments Musicaux," Op. 94, D. 780. These six character pieces, each with its unique mood and tempo, offer a delightful contrast to the Beethoven variations. Curzon's playing is nuanced and expressive, capturing the essence of each moment with remarkable finesse.
The album concludes with two works by Benjamin Britten: "Introduction and Rondo alla burlesca" and "Mazurka elegiaca," both from Op. 23. These pieces showcase Britten's distinctive style and Curzon's versatility as a pianist. His renditions are both playful and poignant, adding a modern touch to this classical collection.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, this album is a feast for the ears, offering a rich and varied listening experience. Sir Clifford Curzon's artistry shines through in every note, making this a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts and piano aficionados alike.
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Introduzione col Basso del Tema: Allegretto vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 1Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 2Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 3Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 4Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 5Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 6Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 7 Canone all'OttavaLudwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 8Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 9Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 10Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 11Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 12Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 13Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 14 MinoreLudwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Variation 15 Maggiore. LargoLudwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
15 Variations and Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35, "Eroica Variations": Finale. Alla Fuga. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Sir Clifford Curzon
6 Moments musicaux, Op. 94, D. 780: No. 1 in C Major (Moderato)Franz Schubert, Sir Clifford Curzon
6 Moments musicaux, D. 780: No. 2 in A-Flat Major: AndantinoFranz Schubert, Sir Clifford Curzon
6 Moments musicaux, Op. 94, D. 780: No. 3 in F Minor: Allegro moderatoFranz Schubert, Sir Clifford Curzon
6 Moments musicaux, Op. 94, D. 780: No. 4 in C-Sharp Minor (Moderato)Franz Schubert, Sir Clifford Curzon
6 Moments musicaux, Op. 94, D. 780: No. 5 in F Minor (Allegro vivace)Franz Schubert, Sir Clifford Curzon
6 Moments musicaux, Op. 94, D. 780: No. 6 in A-Flat Minor (Allegretto)Franz Schubert, Sir Clifford Curzon
Introduction and Rondo alla burlesca, Op. 23, No. 1Benjamin Britten, Sir Clifford Curzon
Mazurka elegiaca, Op. 23, No. 2Benjamin Britten, Sir Clifford Curzon