Gramophone Editor's Choice - June 2022

Simon Trpčeski (piano)

Mozart: Sechs Variationen in F-Dur über die Arie 'Salve tu, Domine' aus der Oper I filosofi immaginarii (Giovanni Paisiello) K398 (416e)
Beethoven: Variations (12) on a Russian Dance, WoO 71
Brahms: Variations on a theme by Schumann in F sharp minor, Op. 9
Mozart: Variations (8) on 'Come un'agnello' from Sarti's Fra i due litiganti, K460
Beethoven: Variations (32) on an Original Theme in C minor, WoO 80

Following his ‘glorious’ Shostakovich concertos recording which was named a BBC Music Magazine Concerto Choice, Simon Trpčeski releases his first solo piano album for Linn. Hailed for his powerful virtuosity, deeply expressive approach and charismatic stage presence, the pianist has recorded five sets of variations by Mozart, Brahms and Beethoven.

In addition to Mozart’s simple, elegant Variations on ‘Salve tu, Domine’, and his practically unknown Variations on ‘Come un agnello’, the recital includes Brahms’s multi-layered, highly romantic Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann, op.9, plus Beethoven’s Variations on a Russian Dance, whose classical style belies the composer’s quintessential fierceness. Beethoven’s substantial Variations on an Original Theme in C minor, whose eight-bar theme based on a descending chromatic bass sets off a whirlwind of uninterrupted variations, draws the recital to a close. The wide range of emotions expressed in these variations showcase Trpčeski’s own extraordinary range.

"If the Mozart variations are nothing special, those by Beethoven and Brahms are masterpieces, which Trpčeski conveys with his characteristic refinement. His Brahms has grave beauty, and his Beethoven – delivered with an exceptionally light touch – manages to sound both intimate and earthshaking." - BBC Music Magazine, May 2022.