🇺🇦Nikolai Kapustin ： Theme and Variations Op.80

Kapustin’s Theme and Variations Op.80 is a concertante work that makes full use of the sonorities of the piano and orchestra while transforming the character of its theme in many different ways. A dynamic sense of rhythm reminiscent of jazz and refined harmonic writing bring out contrasting expressions in each variation. The exchanges between solo piano and orchestra, the contrasts of tone color, and the strongly driven phrases are among its highlights. In performance, it is important to maintain precise control of the intricate rhythms while preserving a natural swing that never sounds mechanical, and to give each variation a clearly distinct character. Beyond its brilliant virtuosity, the work also calls for a strong sense of overall structure and an awareness of each variation’s connection to the theme.