B. Dvarionas - Theme and variations for bassoon and piano

Balys Dvarionas (1904 - 1972)
Thema and variations for bassoon and piano (1946)
Žilvinas Smalys - bassoon
Giselle Tobares - piano
Live recording at 12th international bassoon symposium
in Cordoba, Argentina, 25th October 2023
This piece is a delightful example of a neo-romantic style with some folk elements. First six variations are closely bound to the theme in terms of form and harmonic background. Variation No. 7 is the largest one and stands out from the rest due to its improvisatory character (quasi una fantasia). It also has a short cadenza. The final variation No. 8 is intense and dramatic, yet more straightforward. It contains biggest technical challenges for solo player.
Originally written for bassoon and orchestra, Theme and Variations was premiered in Moscow during a music festival in late 1940s. Due to a huge success, it quickly became a popular piece and a staple repertoire for bassoon in former Soviet Union. It was a compulsory piece in numerous competitions as well. Theme and Variations can also be performed on trompone, euphonium, cello or any instrument of similar range. An arrangement for viola and piano also exists. Unfortunately, Theme and Variations were published during Soviet era only, and no modern publication exists so far.
The dedicatee of this piece was Vladas Kairys - long time principal bassoon at Lithuanian National Opera & Ballet Theatre, whom I happenned to know personally in his later years. Theme and Variations was the first piece I performed as a soloist with the orchestra back in 1997 so I also have a very personal relationship with this work.

[@tamsantander]

🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@flimi]

great job, maestro

[@sauliussmalys4836]

Bravo! Labai gerai nuskambėjo ir pianistė derėjo. 👍💐

[@garfield8793]

you are so talented ❤️ I will be performing one of your pieces in march and I’m so excited 💕

[@vitasmaliene5007]

Puiku