Mischievous Opus 111
Young piano variations from the pen of the soon-to-be 96-year-old Julien-François Zbinden.
Opus 111! Did the composer allow himself a little gag? After all, who doesn't think of Beethoven's last piano sonata, truly a "late work", when they hear this number! The Blüthner Variations op. 111 by Julien-François Zbinden must also be counted among them. After all, he wrote the piece at the incredible age of 95 ... and it is apparently to remain his last piano work.
However, his variations are not of Beethovenian transcendence, but are bursting with youthful mischief and freshness. A simple theme with a slightly jazzy touch, a "blues in three", forms the basis for eight variations, which differ considerably in character and pianistic demands, whereby even the more virtuosic parts - as always with Zbinden - are pleasant and rewarding to play.
In any case, this composer has the rare gift of making a piano sound wonderful, even with simple means.
This opus 111 is dedicated to "someone who has faithfully accompanied me for over 65 years ...
This someone is my Blüthner grand piano, which is over 100 years old". One wishes that the composer of this charming piano piece would also reach this age.
Julien-François Zbinden, Blüthner Variations op. 111, for piano, PNO67, Fr. 20.00, Edition Bim, Vuarmarens 2012
