TCHAIKOVSKY: Rococo Variation [CD de audio] Istvan Vardai, Pannon Philharmonic, Tchaikovsky and Tibor Boganyi

An ardent admirer of Mozart, Tchaikovskys splendid Variations on a Rococo Theme are full of subtle homages to the Classical composer. The theme itself, however, is an original invention by Tchaikovsky himself rather than an excerpt from the past.Composed for German cellist Wilhelm Fitzenhagen, the piece was not performed in its original form for many years after its initial composition, as Fitzenhagen had insisted on making changes to the structure and virtuosic cadenzas for its first performance, against Tchaikovskys wishes.Both versions are included on this release, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the struggle between Tchaikovskys Classical vision and Fitzenhagens desire for the cello to shine. The composers love for Mozart also comes to the fore in the Nocturne Op.19 No.4, one of six pieces initially composed for piano that showcases the lyrical melodies and clear structure Tchaikovsky strived to create. The folksonglike Andante cantabile was one of the composers most popu