Variations on a Theme by Brahms

26 Arrangements for the Beginning Pianist-Suitable for beginning pianists of all ages this volume features 26 simplified versions of longer pieces by the great Johannes Brahms in order of increasing difficulty.Selections include the famous 'Lullaby' as well as the theme from 'Academic Festival Overture' and 'Hungarian Dance No.5'. Additional melodies include themes from the composer's quintet and concertos for Piano 'Variations on a theme by Haydn ' and other pieces.

This treasury of 38 works for solo piano spanning forty years of Brahms' long and prolific life includes the famous 'Edward' ballade; two capriccios; seven Hungarian Dances in the composer's own transcriptions for solo piano; six intermezzos; three rhapsodies; the complete sixteen waltzes op. 39; Sonata no. 3 the best known and most mature of Brahms' three piano sonatas; and the complete books of two legendary works the Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel and the celebrated and dramatic Variations on a Theme by Paganini. Sometimes termed the 'Romantic Classicist' Brahms successfully merged the seemingly contradictory qualities of romanticism and classicism blending poetry with elegance balance and restraint. A fine inexpensive compilation of piano classics reproduced from authoritative scores this volume will delight intermediate and advanced pianists.

Johannes Brahms showed an interest in the music of previous epochs at an early age. In this context he also came across the variation theme of George Frideric Handel which in turn inspired him to write an extensive work of variations for the Piano. The new edition of the Wiener Urtext Edition is based on a meticulous comparison of autographs first edition and personal copies. Brahms' autograph copy served as an essential corrective; subsequent corrections of the composer in the personal copy of Max Kalbeck were taken into account as well. Changes in tempo and indications of expression of Brahms' first version until the first edition allowconclusions about the composer's interpretational ideas; they are analysed in the notes of interpretation. The clear and readily legible notation makes this edition a convenient basis for studying this masterpiece.

With the new Urtext Primo series, the Wiener Urtext Edition wants to close the gap arising at the point of transition to additional lessons after having studied a piano method. Beginning with a performance level which is outlined by pieces such as Bach's Minuet in G (BWV Anh. 116), Mozart's Minuet in F (KV 5) or Schumann's Wilder Reiter (Op. 68/8), works by three different composers are selected for each volume of the Urtext Primo series, with the aim of offering piano pupils (or even adults who want to resume piano playing) a wide range of repertoire pieces on the basis of which they can enhance their technical and musical skills. The pieces' range of levels of difficulty is relatively narrow so that the volume can be used continuously over a period of about two years. This is what distinguishes the Urtext Primo approach from almost all common anthologies. The selected repertoire takes into account not only pieces of the classic canon of lessons, but also lesser known works which are in no way of less importance for piano lessons. The Urtext Primo volumes are published in the internationally recognised standard of the Wiener Urtext editions. The explanations included in each volume shall help to deepen the knowledge of musical styles, music history and piano playing. A repertoire chart at the end of each volume gives a rough overview of the levels of difficulty of the selected pieces.Volume 4 combines works of the German Romanticism by Schumann, Brahms and Theodor Kirchner. Apart from well known pieces from Schumann's 'Album for the Youth' and the easiest waltzes from opus 39 (in the easier version) by Brahms, the selection contains the attractive set of variations from Schumann's first Youth Sonata Op. 118/1 and Brahms' Saraband in A minor WoO 5/1 as well as a number of pleasant pieces by Theodor Kirchner which continue the tonal air of Schumann and Brahms in easy playable pieces. / Piano

The definitive playing edition of Brahms's complete works for four-hand piano. Reprinted from the Complete Works edition of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde Vienna. Edited by Eusebius Mandyczewski.

Ruders writes: There's a solid tradition in the history of Western music of turning the theme of Nicolo Paganini's '24th Caprice' for soloviolin into a set of variations endemic to the time and style of each individual composer; Liszt Brahms Rachmaninov and Lutoslawsky being the most prominent names. When asked by David Starobin to write a concerto for him I though 'well why not have a go at it?' - bearing in mind that not only is Paganini the most celebrated violin-wizard of all times but he was also a more than accomplished guitarist. There are 22 variations in all numbers 1 to 16 all adhering strictly to the 16-bar pattern laid down by Paganini himself. From variation17 though the writing becomes more symphonic and the rigid 16-bar regime is being lossendes up a bit. However the last variation 'Finale Prestisimo' is a 6 x 16 bars 'white-knuckle ride' in which the hitherto soloistic role of the guitar gives way to that of 'primus interpares' i.e. 'first among equals'. As with another set of variations of mine 'Concerto on Pieces' (based on a tune by Purcell) the nature and shape of the 'Pagannini-Variations' may be compared to a stroll through a hall of mirrors: the 'portrait' - the theme is gradually being distorted out of all recognition - but it's still the same 'original' walking by.

Piano solo part for Paganini Variations - Piano Concerto No.3 by Poul Ruders (2014). Score available: WH32201 Programme note: In 1999 my friend American guitar virtuoso David Starobin wanted me to write a concerto for guitar and orchestra. It quickly dawned on me that this commission presented a golden opportunity to contribute to the time-honoured tradition of composing a series of variations on Nicolo Paganini´s famous 24th Caprice for violin solo a work which itself is a set of variations. The 16 bar (with the first 4 bars repeated) theme is not particularly sophisticated orintricate but its inherent simplicity and logic just grow on you almost to the point of distraction - and the secret behind it being hauled through 'the wringer' by composers as disparate as Liszt Brahms Rachmaninoff and Lutoslawski is perhaps found in its - what I´ll call with a quick nervous look over my shoulder: brilliant banality. You can do anything with that tune it´ll always be recognizable and just there however much you maul it. The piece (subtitled Guitar Concerto no 2) was written pretty quickly premiered and subsequently recorded for Bridge Records with David and the Odense Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jan Wagner and everybody was happy. But the story didn´t end there and it must be the ultimate proof of the durability of the theme not to mention the flexibility and far-sightedness of David Starobin when he 14 years latersuggested 'why not transcribe the solo part for piano?'. The idea appealed to me immediately. One thing was clear from the beginning: the new version could in no way sound like a transcription. My aim was to end up with a solo-part sounding like were it 'the one-and-only' the 'real thing' if you like.The orchestral score remains exactly the same in both cases. Both versions the two Paganini Variations are comparable to a

Paganini Variations - Piano Concerto No.3 by Poul Ruders. The original guitar-part (for Guitar Concerto No. 2) arranged for Piano and pianist Anne-Marie McDermott by the composer 2014.Piano solo part: WH32201CParts are available for hire: hire@ewh.dk Programme note: In 1999 my friend American guitar virtuoso David Starobin wanted me to write a concerto for guitar and orchestra. It quickly dawned on me that this commission presented a golden opportunity to contribute to the time-honoured tradition of composing a series of variations on NicoloPaganini´s famous 24th Caprice for violin solo a work which itself is a set of variations. The 16 bar (with the first 4 bars repeated) theme is not particularly sophisticated or intricate but its inherent simplicity and logic just grow on you almost to the point of distraction - and the secret behind it being hauled through 'the wringer' by composers as disparate as Liszt Brahms Rachmaninoff and Lutoslawski is perhaps found in its - what I´ll call with a quick nervous look over my shoulder: brilliant banality. You can do anything with that tune it´ll always be recognizable and just there however much you maul it. The piece (subtitled Guitar Concerto no 2) was written pretty quickly premiered and subsequently recorded for Bridge Records with David and the Odense Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jan Wagner and everybody was happy. But the story didn´t end there and it must be the ultimate proof of the durability of the theme not to mention the flexibility and far-sightedness of David Starobin when he 14 years latersuggested 'why not transcribe the solo part for piano?'. The idea appealed to me immediately. One thing was clear from the beginning: the new version could in no way sound like a transcription. My aim was to end up with a solo-part sounding like were it 'the

for Intermediate Piano. BACH: Air on the G String - Badinerie, BWV 1067 - Allegro, BWV 1048 - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Sheep May Safely Graze - Toccata and Fugue, BWV 565 · BEETHOVEN: Theme from Piano Concerto No. 5 (Emperor) - Theme from Symphony No. 3 (Eroica) - Theme from Symphony No. 5 - Theme from Symphony No. 7 - Theme from Symphony No. 9 · BIZET: Habanera from Carmen · BOCCHERINI: Minuet from String Quintet, Op. 11, No. 5 · BORODIN: Nocturne from String Quartet No. 2 · BRAHMS: Hungarian Dance, WoO 1, No. 5 - Lullaby, Op. 49, No. 4 · CLARKE: Trumpet Voluntary · DVORÁK: Theme from Symphony No. 9 (From the New World) · ELGAR: Nimrod from Enigma Variations - Pomp and Circumstance · FAURÉ: Après un rêve, Op. 7, No. 1 - Pavane, Op. 50 · FRANCK: Panis angelicus · GLUCK: Dance of the Blessed Spirits from Orfeo ed Euridice · GOUNOD: Ave Maria adapted from Prelude in C Major, BWV 846 by JS Bach · GREIG: Anitra's Dance from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 - Morning from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 - Norwegian Dance, Op. 35, No. 2 · HANDEL: Air from Water Music, HWV 348 - Allegro from Water Music, HWV 349 - Allegro from Water Music, HWV 348 - The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from Solomon - Bourrée from Flute Sonata, HWV 363b - Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah - Largo from Serses · HAYDN: Theme from String Quartet, Op. 3, No. 5 - Theme from Symphony No. 94, Hob I:94 (Surprise) · LEHAR: Waltz from The Merry Widow · MASSENET: Meditation from Thaïs · MENDELSSOHN: Nocturne from A Midsummer Night's Dream - Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream · MOZART: Ave Verum Corpus - Theme from Clarinet Concerto - Theme from Eine kleine Nachtmusik - Lacrimosa from Requiem - Theme from Piano Concerto No. 21 - Theme from Symphony No. 40 - Theme from Symphony No. 41 · Offenbach: Barcarolle from The Tales of Hoffmann - Can-Can from Orpheus in the Underworld · PACHELBEL: Canon in D · PARRY: Jerusalem · PUCCINI: Musetta's Waltz from La bohème - Un bel dì vedremo from Madame Butterfly - Vissi d'arte from Tosca · RACHMANINOFF: Theme from Piano Concerto No. 2 · RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Flight of the Bumblebee - Song of India - The Young Prince and the Young Prince from Scheherazade · SAINT-SAËNS: Danse macabre - The Swan from The Carnival of the Animals · SCHUBERT: Ave Maria - Serenade · SOUSA: The Stars and Stripes

Beginning pianists of all ages will cherish this excellent compilation of classics. Each piece was carefully selected and simplified to help students develop their skills. Many of the greatest composersâ??J. S. Bach Beethoven Brahms Mendelssohn Mozart Rimsky-Korsakov Rachmaninoff Tchaikovsky and othersâ??are represented by several pieces each some newly adapted for the piano. Composers and works not usually featured in beginner's books include pieces by Borodin Gluck Rameau and Tallis.Well-known classics include Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 Debussy's Claire de Lune Moussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition Satie'sGymnopedie No. 1 Schumann's Child Falling Asleep and 'Spring' from Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Several orchestral pieces have been newly adapted for the piano including 'Dance of the Swan' from Swan Lake 'Aquarium' from Carnival of the Animals 'Largo' from Xerxes and 'Waltz of the Flowers' from The Nutcracker.Dover Original.

The variants of this piece chart the experience of the composer's musical journey from childhood as well as citing influences from other composers including Brahms the piece also draws connections between the composer andhis previous influences.This composition has 10 variations on the opening theme the introduction of the piece sees a 3 part unit with quiet brass notes holding together flowing sequences of chords there is a prominentdescending bass in luminous whole-tone colours giving the piece great depth.

Lower Intermediate to Intermediate-103 arrangements of must-know classical standards by 41 composers at the lower intermediate to intermediate level. BACH: Air on the G String · Arioso · Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring · Sheep May Safely Graze · Sleepers Awake BEETHOVEN: Theme from Symphony No. 5 · Theme from Symphony No. 6 · Theme from Symphony No. 7 · Ode to Joy from Symphony No. 9 BIZET: Themes from Carmen · Farandole from L'Arlésienne Suite No. 2 BOCCHERINI: Minuet from String Quintet BORODIN: Polovetsian Dances from Prince Igor BRAHMS: Hungarian Dance · Lullaby · Theme from Symphony No. 1 · Theme from Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn CLARKE: Trumpet Voluntary (The Prince of Denmark's March) DVORÁK: Themes from Symphony No. 9 ELGAR: Nimrod from Enigma Variations · Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 FAUR??: Pavane · Pie Jesu · Sicilienne GOUNOD: Ave Maria adapted from Prelude in C Major by JS Bach GRIEG: Anitra's Dance from Peer Gynt Suite · Morning from Peer Gynt Suite · Solveig's Song from Peer Gynt Suite · Theme from Piano Concerto HANDEL: Harmonious Blacksmith · Bourrée from Music for the Royal Fireworks · Largo (Ombra mai fu) from Serse · Where'er You Walk from Semele · Hornpipe from Water Music HOLST: Jupiter Chorale from The Planets HUMPERDINCK: Evening Prayer from Hansel and Gretel MAHLER: Adagietto from Symphony No. 5 MASSENET: Meditation from Thaïs MENDELSSOHN: Nocturne from A Midsummer Night's Dream MOZART: Theme from Clarinet Concerto · Minuet from Don Giovanni · Allegro from Eine kleine Nachtmusik · Theme from Piano Concerto No. 20 · Theme from Piano Concerto No. 21 · Theme from Symphony No. 40 MUSSORGSKY: Promenade from Pictures at an Exhibition OFFENBACH: Can-Can from Orpheus in the Underworld · Barcarolle from The Tales of Hoffmann PACHELBEL: Canon in D PAGANINI: Caprice No. 24 from 24 Caprices PARRY: Jerusalem PONCHIELLI: The Dance of the Hours from La Gioconda PUCCINI: O mio babbino caro from Gianni Schicchi · Themes from Madama Butterfly PURCELL: Rondeau from Abdelazar ROSAS: Over the Waves ROSSINI: Themes from The Barber of Seville · Theme from William Tell SCHUBERT: Ave Maria · Serenade · Theme from Symphony No. 8 (Unfinished) · Theme from Symphony No. 9 · To Music · The Trout · SEMTANA: The Moldau from My Homeland SOUSA: The Liberty Bell · The Stars and Stripes Forever · The Washington Post STRAUSS I: Radetzky March STRAUSS II: Emperor Waltz · On the Beautiful Blue Danube · Tales from the Vienna Woods · Tritsch-Tratsch Polka · Viennese Blood · Wine Women and Song TCHAIKOVSKY: Themes from 1812 Overture · Marche slave · Dance of the Reed Flutes from The Nutcracker · Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker · Theme from Piano Concerto No. 1 · Theme from Romeo and Juliet Theme from Swan Lake · Theme from Symphony No. 5 · Theme from Symphony No.6 VERDI: Grand March · La donn