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Variations on the theme by Grieg
Walter Gieseking: Variations on the theme by Grieg for flute and piano was written in 1939. The piece is based on the theme from Grieg's "Arietta", which is the first piece in Book I of the Lyric Pieces, Op. 12, No. 1.
While Gieseking is famous primarily as a pianist, highly celebrated for his interpretations of French impressionists and German Romantics, including Grieg, he was also a proficient amateur flutist. He composed several works featuring the flute, including this piece and a Sonatine for Flute and Piano.
The composition date of 1939 places the work right at the beginning of World War II. Gieseking's life would become controversial due to his decision to remain in Germany during the war and continue performing under the Nazi regime, leading to a temporary ban on his entry into the United States after the war. However, the piece itself is a purely musical exploration of Grieg's theme, offering a lighthearted and technically engaging set of variations.
The first recording of the piece was made in 1939 by flutist Lambros Callimahos (a prominent American flutist and later a noted professor at the Juilliard School) and Walter Gieseking at the piano. The recording was released by the American Columbia Records.
Alfons Kontarsky (piano), 1994, Tudor / Naxos
Variations on a Theme by Edvard Grieg
Walter Gieseking (1895-1956) was a German pianist and composer who had brilliant yet controversial career as a concert pianist since he continued to perform for Nazi Party during the World War II.
Gieseking is also known as a co-author of so-called "Leimer method" for piano: critical self-hearing with emphasis on proper understanding of music as the basis of proper technique for the piano (before starting to play, the student is asked to visualize the piece through silent reading).
The book describing the method - "The Shortest Way to Pianistic perfection" was developed after his studies with Karl Leimer at the Hanover Conservatory.
Gieseking was very well-known pianist and practically unknown composer during his lifetime. Sonatine for Flute and Piano is one of rare pieces that have survived throughout the years since Gieseking himself didn't bother much for publishing his works but rather devoted his time and energy to his hobby: collecting butterflies.