Variations on a Theme by Haydn, op. 56b
Version for 2 pianos
The Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn (German: Variationen über ein Thema von Jos. Haydn), now also called the Saint Anthony Variations, is a work in the form of a theme and variations, composed by Johannes Brahms in the summer of 1873 at Tutzing in Bavaria. It consists of a theme in B♭ major based on a "Chorale St Antoni", eight variations, and a finale. The work was published in two versions: for two pianos, written first but designated Op. 56b; and for orchestra, designated Op. 56a. The orchestral version is better known and much more often heard than the two-piano version.
Movements
- Chorale St. Antoni. Andante
- Variation I. Andante con moto
- Variation II. Vivace
- Variation III. Con moto
- Variation IV. Andante
- Variation V. Poco presto
- Variation VI. Vivace
- Variation VII. Grazioso
- Variation VIII. Poco presto
- Finale. Andante
Most recent recordings
- Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a: I. Theme (Chorale St. Anthony) — Johannes Brahms, Metamorphose String Orchestra, Pavel Lyubomudrov (2022) Spotify
- Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a & Symphony No. 1, Op. 68 — Johannes Brahms, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Wiener Philharmoniker (2021) Spotify
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