by Guytano Parks

Variations on a theme. That form has intrigued and inspired composers since the beginning of musical time. Expression through exploration and experimentation with tone, texture and effects as musical instruments (especially the piano) developed opened up endless possibilities for the composer. Pianist Emanuela Friscioni performed three such works by Mozart, Bach-Busoni and Schumann on Sunday, February 17 on the Chagrin Valley Chamber Music Concert Series at Valley Lutheran Church in Chagrin Falls.

The Sonata, K. 331 in A major is Mozart’s only piano sonata which utilizes a theme with variations rather than the standard Sonata Allegro form for its first movement. Friscioni played it with lovely tone and a fine sense of classical style and proportions. In the opening Andante grazioso (performed without repeats), Friscioni’s cantabile approach allowed the music to breathe, her phrasing leaving plenty of room for details of articulation and dynamics. The six variations which followed, all in A major except for the third which is in minor, unfolded beautifully. Running scale passages, accidentals, repeated staccato notes plus unexpected accents and dynamic changes peppered and at times camouflaged the original theme. [Read more…]