CD 1:
Frederic Chopin:
24 Préludes, Op. 28

CD 2:
Ludwig van Beethoven:
32 Variations on an Original Theme in C minor, WoO 80
33 Variations on a Waltz by Anton Diabelli Op. 120

Gulda, a brilliant master of rhythm, uncompromising Bach interpreter and jazz musician, is heard at his best when performing Chopin, whose works appear in Gulda’s earliest concert programmes. His secret in playing Chopin with so much vitality lay in the inimitable mix of rhythmic strictness, cantabile tenderness and controlled outbursts.

Beethoven was an important composer for Gulda. The theme and variation form afforded both of them the opportunity to demonstrate their respective abilities and showcase their remarkable skills. And what better showcase than the Diabelli Variations?

Although this fourth instalment of the SWR Gulda Edition includes only well-known compositions, Friedrich Gulda’s extraordinary sense of sound, sophisticated touch and rhythmic vitality coax new facets out of these works so that we hear them from a fresh perspective.

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Recordings: 11.04.1953, Studio Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, Krone (CD 1); 06.11.1968, Stuttgart, SDR, Funkstudio Berg, Sendesaal II (CD 2).