Houstoun plays the seducer

“Houstoun is in impressive command of pompous processions, fleet games of chasing, tongue-in-cheek dances and lyrical songs.”

Legendary pianist Alfred Brendel called Beethoven's monumental Diabelli Variations "the greatest of all piano works".  33 Variations on a waltz by Anton Diabelli, to give the set its full name, may not yet be your favourite but be warned, you could be seduced by this persuasive new release by Michael Houstoun.   
Houstoun established himself as a major interpreter of Beethoven’s solo piano works with his performances of the complete cycle of the thirty-two Piano Sonatas and their release in a 14-CD set three years ago. Here he again shows unfailing respect for the music and genius of Beethoven while enjoying both the ironic wit and powerful drama of this massive composition. The unpretentious waltz on which the Diabelli Variations are based, played with gentle muscularity, barely hints at the variety of adventures ahead. Undaunted by the virtuosic demands and lightning-fast mood changes, Houstoun is in impressive command of pompous processions, fleet games of chasing, tongue-in-cheek dances and lyrical songs.

Towards the end of the set we are reminded that in his late works Beethoven was a great contrapuntist; the 31st Variation, the longest, is a tribute to Bach and its gorgeously decorated lines are followed in the 32nd by a magnificent double fugue. Bringing us full circle, the work ends with an artless Minuet to balance the opening theme, leaving me breathless with admiration for both composer and pianist.

Houstoun’s affectionate notes and invented titles for each variation and engineer Steve Garden's unfailing skill in recording piano sound add to the pleasure.

This CD review was first published in the NZ Listener in June 2017

Purchase Michael Houstoun Beethoven Diabelli Variations (Rattle)