Webern - Variations for Piano, Op. 27 (Thomas Weaver, piano)

Anton Webern (1883-1945) wrote his Variations for Piano during 1935 and 1936. A member of the Second Viennese School, along with Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg, Webern spent most of his life writing in an atonal style and exploring the possibilities of twelve-tone serial composition. In this piece, in addition to his use of rows, Webern creates symmetrical structures to help construct phrases.
I. Sehr mässig (Very moderately) 3:55
This movement explores the potential of horizontal symmetry. Each phrase is built as a palindrome, written the same both forwards and backwards. The movement is in a ternary form (ABA), each built of multiple phrases that are palindromic.
II. Sehr schnell (Very fast) 5:55
This movement explores the vertical capacity of symmetry. Webern writes a canon where each voice inverts around the axis of A=440. The character of the movement is that of a scherzo, featuring extreme changes in dynamics and articulation, in addition to the dramatic leaps from one register to another.
III. Ruhig fliessend (Calmly flowing) 6:32
The final movement is most clearly a theme and variations form. Webern presents a full iteration of the twelve-tone row that he explores throughout the movement. Each variation builds in rhythmic activity, leading to a thrilling climax where Webern exploits the full range of the piano. This is followed by a brief coda, somewhat reminiscent of the character and sound world of the opening movement.
Recorded LIVE from my home in October 2020.
Thomas Weaver, piano