Röntgen: Variations on a Theme by Cesar Franck

These editions mark the first publication of Julius Röntgen's Variations on a Theme by César Franck and his Variations on a Theme by Beethoven. Both works have been recorded and published by Nimbus. Each unique set of variations demonstrates Julius Röntgen's capabilities of a composer in general and in this important genre specifically. Röntgen's writing is effortless, balanced, harmonically interesting and highly expressive. The editors believe that introducing this publication into the 2-piano literature will give performers and audiences a new work of artistic merit and musical excellence. Julius Röntgen's Variations on a Theme by Beethoven is a set of seven variations and coda based on the theme from the Finale of Beethoven's string quartet Opus 130. Röntgen's variations demonstrate considerable musical complexity and harmonic daring. In fact, it displays some of his most engaging and enchanting music. The introduction marked molto sostenuto - opens with a dark and dramatic statement punctuated with sforzandi. Each 4-measure gesture seems to build on the previous one but without creating direction or momentum. Edited by Mark Anderson and Michelle Mares.