Benjamin Hochman:
- “Variations”.
On this recording, pianist Benjamin Hochman explores an age-old art form with works ranging from Brahms’ Handel Variations to 20th and 21st century inspirations by George Benjamin, Luciano Berio, Oliver Knussen, and Peter Lieberson.
Specifically, the selections are:
Benjamin, G:
- Meditation on Haydn’s Name
Berio:
- Cinque Variazioni (1952/1953 – revised 1966)
Brahms:
- Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24
Knussen:
- Variations, Op. 24
Lieberson, P:
- Piano Variations
Performed by Benjamin Hochman (piano)
At the heart of the album is the “Handel Variations” by Brahms, a grand master of this art form. The four shorter Piano Variations on this recording are by major composers of the late 20th and early 21st century: Oliver Knussen, Luciano Berio, George Benjamin and Peter Lieberson. Each composition is a piece of great beauty but with results that are strikingly diverse.
Here is Mr. Hochman, playing the music of Bach:
And next, here is his interpretation of Chopin’s Polonaise-Fantasy in A flat Major, Op. 61:
Finally, here is a video of Miklos Perenyi, cello and Benjamin Hochman, piano, performing the
Brahms Cello Sonata No. 2 in F major, Op. 99 – I. Allegro vivace:
Tags: Benjamin Hochman, pianist, Brahms, Oliver Knussen, Luciano Berio, George Benjamin, Peter Lieberson