These editions mark the first publication of Julius Röntgen’s Variations on a Theme by César Franck and his Variations on a Theme by Beethoven. Both works have been recorded and published by Nimbus. Each unique set of variations demonstrates Julius Röntgen’s capabilities of a composer in general and in this important genre specifically. Röntgen’s writing is effortless, balanced, harmonically interesting and highly expressive. The editors believe that introducing this publication into the 2-piano literature will give performers and audiences a new work of artistic merit and musical excellence.
Composed is a set of twelve variations with Finale. The theme – Chant de la Creuse – is a 19-measure folksong in D Minor which was not composed by Franck at all The twelve variations exhibit a mastery of unity in terms of their expressivity, moods and architecture in addition to their obvious thematic connections. Röntgen was a meticulous composer and the manuscript held at Netherlands Music Institute in Den Haag, is comprised of a separate score for each piano part. The end of both parts concludes with “23 Sept, 1903” in the composer’s hand. Edited by Mark Anderson and Michelle Mares
