Dina Parakhina: 200 Years Diabelli Variations

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Celebrating 200 Years of the Diabelli Project

To commemorate the bicentennial of Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations, the Divine Art label proudly presents “ 200 Years: Diabelli Variations”. Originally introduced by Anton Diabelli with words of admiration for its innovation and artistic brilliance, the Diabelli Variations have since transcended time, becoming a cornerstone of the piano repertoire, rivalling even the esteemed works of J.S. Bach.

The story behind the Diabelli Variations adds to their mystique. Legend has it that Beethoven initially dismissed Diabelli’s theme as a mere “cobbler’s patch.” Yet, he later transformed this simple waltz into a complex, kaleidoscopic masterpiece, showcasing a wide range of characters, styles, and textures. From playful parodies to profound meditations, Beethoven’s variations span over 60 minutes of inventive musical exploration.
Renowned pianist Dina Parakhina, who first performed the Diabelli Variations during her final recital at the Moscow Conservatory, brings her deep understanding and lifelong study of this monumental work to her latest recording. Parakhina’s interpretation captures the intricate structural unity and the emotional depth of Beethoven’s composition, reflecting her illustrious career and devotion to classical music.

About Dina Parakhina
Dina Parakhina, a distinguished Russian pianist and educator, has been a Piano Professor at the Royal College of Music since 2009 and a College Fellow since 2019. She has taught at prestigious institutions such as the Central Music School in Moscow and Chetham’s School of Music, and currently holds a position at the Royal Northern College of Music. Parakhina has performed globally as a soloist, made numerous recordings, and given master-classes around the world. Her expertise and passion for music have also seen her serve on juries for international piano competitions.

Parakhina’s illustrious career began in Sochi and led her to study under notable mentors in Moscow. She toured extensively with the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra and later organized significant projects like the Medtner Marathon, which celebrated the works of Nikolai Medtner. Her recording of Medtner’s Piano Sonatas and Fairy Tales was critically acclaimed, highlighting her dedication to bringing classical masterpieces to contemporary audiences.

Track Listing

    Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

    33 Variations on a Waltz Op. 120
  1. Tema (Vivace)
  2. Variation I (Alla marcia maestoso)
  3. Variation II (Poco allegro)
  4. Variation III (L'istesso tempo)
  5. Variation IV (Un poco più vivace)
  6. Variation V (Allegro vivace)
  7. Variation VI (Allegro ma non troppo e serioso)
  8. Variation VII (Un poco più allegro)
  9. Variation VIII (Poco vivace)
  10. Variation IX (Allegro pesante e risoluto)
  11. Variation X (Presto)
  12. Variation XI (Allegretto)
  13. Variation XII (Un poco più moto)
  14. Variation XIII (Vivace)
  15. Variation XIV (Grave e maestoso)
  16. Variation XV (Presto scherzando)
  17. Variation XVI (Allegro)
  18. Variation XVII
  19. Variation XVIII (Poco moderato)
  20. Variation XIX (Presto)
  21. Variation XX (Andante)
  22. Variation XXI (Allegro con brio - Meno allegro - Tempo I)
  23. Variation XXII (Allegro molto): Alla "Notte e giorno faticar" di Mozart
  24. Variation XXIII (Allegro assai)
  25. Variation XXIV: Fughetta (Andante)
  26. Variation XXV (Allegro)
  27. Variation XXVI
  28. Variation XXVII (Vivace)
  29. Variation XXVIII (Allegro)
  30. Variation XXIX (Adagio ma non troppo)
  31. Variation XXX (Andante, sempre cantabile)
  32. Variation XXXI (Largo, molto espressivo)
  33. Variation XXXII: Fuga (Allegro - Poco adagio)
  34. Variation XXXIII (Tempo di minuetto moderato, ma non tirarsi dietro)
  35. Tema (Vivace) (reprise)
  36. Jan August Vitásek (1770-1839)

  37. Variation 49 (Un poco moderato)
  38. Ignaz Moscheles (1974-1870)

  39. Variation 26 (Vivace)
  40. Franz Xaver Wolfgang Mozart (1791-1844)

  41. Variation 28 (Con fuoco)
  42. Carl Czerny (1791-1857)

  43. Variation 4
  44. Friedrich Kalkbrenner (1784-1849)

  45. Variation 18 (Allegro non troppo)
  46. Václav Jan Křtitel Tomášek (1774-1850)

  47. Variation 43 (Tempo giusto)
  48. Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

  49. Variation 38
  50. Franz Liszt (1811-1886)

  51. Variation 24 (Allegro)
  52. Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837)

  53. Variation 16
  54. Carl Czerny

  55. Coda (Vivace - più mosso - Molto allegro)

Reviews

Fanfare

She has considerable technical fluency, avoids muddiness even in the most rapid passagework, is rhythmically alert, and has a good sense of the dramatic. All in all, this is a worthwhile disc…

” —Henry Fogel
AllMusic

A Diabelli Variations set that has no trouble standing out from the crowd.

” —James Manheim
International Piano

Parakhinas…Beethoven is very impressive. This is a worthwhile Diabelli even without the extras; but they add a good deal of enjoyment…excellent performances.

” —Nigel Simeone

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