Hardy Rittner - Variations Op.21; Handel-Variations; Paganini-Variations

The conclusion and crowning culmination of anepochal project: Vol. 5 rounds off Hardy Rittner�sacclaimed Brahms complete recording on historicalpianos. The careful selection of lavishly and lovingly restored concert grand pianos perfectly suited to this task enhances the value of this pioneering edition even more. The present release comes with a double high point: Rittner performs the variation cycles, works of the highest virtuosity producing an extraordinary audience impact, on a Steinway & Sons concert grand piano, serial number 553, manufactured around 1860.Hardy Rittner magnificently brings out the specialqualities of historical pianos; silvery double octaves in the eleventh variation of the first volume of op. 35, crystal-clearbrilliance in numerous thirty-second runs, frequent fierce growling of the basses � the Steinway grand piano, even in its early years with its famous patented iron-cast plate and diagonal stringing, generates an enormous sound palette and shows itself from its very best side in Rittner�s sensitive and powerful hands.Also available:MDG9041494 - Brahms Volume 1MDG9041538 - Brahms Volume 2MDG9041680 - Brahms Volume 3MDG9041810 - Brahms Volume 4