Brahms: Haydn Variations

The distinguished Swedish conductor Herbert Blomstedt, who feels closely connected to the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra as a regular guest conductor, conducted Johannes Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn, Op. 56a, in concerts on February 13 and 14, 2014, at the Herkulessaal of the Munich Residenz. The new album offers both the live recording of this impressive interpretation by the renowned conductor and a live recording of an orchestral rehearsal from February 10, 2014 – part of the popular broadcast series "Conductors in Rehearsal," which provides a glimpse into the orchestra's workshop. Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn were composed in the summer of 1873 in Tutzing. The premiere took place on November 2, 1873, in Vienna, under the direction of the composer. Later, Brahms also provided a version for two pianos (Op. 56b), which was also premiered in Vienna in 1874. The variations process the melody of the so-called "St. Antoni Chorale" from the second movement of a Divertimento in B-flat major (Hob. II:46), which was most likely incorrectly attributed to Joseph Haydn. The chorale may not even have originated from the composer of the Divertimento; it may originally have been a pilgrimage song that could have been sung in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua in Western Hungary (modern-day Burgenland). Nevertheless, the variations (theme with nine variations and finale) are a significant and well-known orchestral work by the Romantic composer, which is a staple of today's concert repertoire. The detailed rehearsal recordings on the album allow for a deeper insight into this magnificent work. One can experience directly how the conductor's wishes, ideas, and instructions are implemented, how his explanations and temperament change the sound, and the thoughts behind his interpretation of the work.