Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme | Mischa Maisky & The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen

Описание: "Variations on a Rococo Theme", Op. 33 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) is among the Russian composer’s most famous works and one of the greats of the cello repertoire. In this performance, the Rococo Variations are interpreted by star cellist Mischa Maisky and Die Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, conducted by Paavo Järvi. The recording was made July 3, 2023, at the Lübeck Music and Congress Hall.

The Rococo Variations are a tribute to the phonic realm of the 18th century — a musical fantasy of a carefree, joyful and largely imaginary past, inspired by the world of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Tchaikovsky deeply admired Mozart, whom he praised as representing “the highest point of beauty in music.” He revered the composer himself as a “musical Christ” and a “redeemer through sound.” The theme of the Rococo Variations, however, does not come from Mozart but was composed by Tchaikovsky himself in the Rococo style.

The Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33 features a theme and eight variations:
(00:00) Moderato assai quasi Andante - Thema: Moderato semplice
(02:27) Var. I: Tempo della Thema
(03:16) Var. II: Tempo della Thema
(04:34) Var. III: Andante sostenuto
(07:59) Var. IV: Andante grazioso
(09:56) Var. V: Allegro moderato -
(13:37) Var. VI: Andante
(16:30) Var. VII e Coda: Allegro vivo

For cellists, the Rococo Variations are a consumate showpiece. They pick up a playful dialogue with the chamber orchestra, which is reduced to its essentials. The music sways and floats in a radiant, sunlit key of C major.

Tchaikovsky adorned the work with numerous virtuosic passages, although his friend German cellist Wilhelm Fitzenhagen — to whom the piece is dedicated — made extensive revisions. He shortened the work, altered the order of the variations and reworked the finale. While Tchaikovsky was initially angered by his interventions, the composer later came to view them as improvements. He ultimately authorized them following the work's highly successful 1877 premiere in Moscow.

Born in Riga in 1948, when it was still part of the Soviet Union, Mischa Maisky is a highly sought-after cellist. He studied with both the great cello virtuoso Mstislav Rostropovich and also with Gregor Piatigorsky. At the time, Rostropovich said he was "one of the most extraordinary talents of the younger generation. His playing combines poetry and exquisite delicacy with great temperament and brilliant technique." Today, the cellist sees himself as a citizen of the world through and through: "I play an Italian cello, with French and German bows and Austrian and German strings, my 6 children were born in 4 different countries, my second wife is half Sri Lankan – half Italian... I feel at home wherever people enjoy and appreciate classical music." Mischa Maisky has played with the world's most prestigious orchestras and received numerous awards.

Text: Anastassia Boutsko

© 2023 Accentus Music

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