Brahms: Variations for solo piano (complete)

"Ohlsson's muscular performance does not ignore the yearning that lies beneath the surface." The Telegraph, 22nd October 2010 ***

"These strong, stylish, intelligently mapped-out, and excellently engineered interpretations of Brahms' complete solo-piano variation sets find pianist Garrick Ohlsson on peak technical and musical form."
(10/10 ClassicsToday Nov 2010)

'Ohlsson's playing not only persuaded me to appreciate the two Op 21 works but actually to listen to both discs all the way through in a single sitting. He is that good … This is a great Brahms recording that elevates and illuminates the music with a lightness of touch and heart that eludes many (yet he can darken the tone when required) … [Paganini Variations] Perhaps the most musical performance on disc in recent years' Editor's Choice Gramophone Magazine November 2010

"These highly absorbing discs bring together all Brahms's freestanding variation sets for piano in poised, intense performances." Sunday Times, 3rd October 2010 ***

"An near to flawless collection of piano variations from the American piano virtuoso" The Times, 9th October 2010 ****

"These early variations [Op. 18] are light years away from the intimacy of Brahms's late piano pieces, and Ohlsson's iron-clad technique and robust, forward tone generally suit them well." The Guardian, 14th October 2010 ***

"he's a born Brahmsian, equipped at the higest level with the necessary speed and power, the muscular strength and facility of finger tempered by breadth of outlook and solidity of intellect." (BBC Music Dec 2010)

American pianist Garrick Ohlsson, whose Complete Chopin set was acclaimed as one of the most important anniversary releases of 2010, now turns to another significant, though often overlooked, body of Romantic piano music - Brahms' complete variations.

The coruscatingly difficult Paganini variations, a bravura display of pyrotechnic virtuosity, frequently feature in piano competitions, performed to demonstrate extraordinary technique. In this performance, Garrick Ohlsson also displays remarkable musicality.

The Variations and Fugue on a theme of Handel is one of the summits of his entire keyboard output, showing the composer at the height of his powers. This 2-disc set also contains some little-known gems, including the wonderful Variations on an Original Theme.