John Field (1782-1837): Variations on a Russian folk song
Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936): Theme and variations, Op. 72
Pyotr Tchaikovsky (1840-1893): Six morceaux composés sur un seul thème, Op. 21
Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943): Variations on a theme of Chopin, Op. 22

I wouldn't blame anyone for assuming that the "Variation" must be the easiest form for a composer to grapple with. After all, they are usually based on another composer's original theme or melody, so all one needs to do is as in cooking, repeat it a few times while following the basic recipe, but alter and mix-up the ingredients within each iteration. If only it was that simple. It's actually very difficult to use a basic theme as a springboard, and whilst always keeping it either in the foreground or background as the connecting thread, change its character by switching keys, fluctuating between major and minor modes, rhythmic cadence, mood and expression, color, technical difficulty ... the list of possible alterations is almost infinite in so long as one can still detect the original catalyst at all times, be it downright obvious as in the Glazunov, or mysteriously camouflaged as in the Rachmaninov.

In rare cases, some composers have gone out of their way to produce variations just as undecipherable as secret military codes, but here is not quite the case. And it's amazing to hear how easily Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov could project a completely different character or emotion from variation to variation. I mean, how can you take one of Chopin's darkest Preludes and make it quite a few shades darker ... a piece of cake for Rachmaninov. Highly proficient, versatile and prolific Australian pianist Piers Lane (click on the link to see his extensive list of highly regarded recordings) well defines the character of not only each variation within a set, but also the style and approach of each composer. From the fanciful, folklore influenced touches by Glazunov, to the boldly dark brushstrokes by Rachmaninov, it's all on display in this recording. Exactly what variations are all about.