Diabelli Variations

May 2022
Mitsuko Uchida’s long-awaited recording of Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations proves to be a remarkable and enthralling experience. This colossal work, born out of a publisher’s seemingly unremarkable request for a single variation, encapsulates the depth and contradictions of Beethoven’s genius, a challenge that Uchida embraces with exceptional skill.

Uchida’s interpretation of the music is both lighthearted and profound, expertly capturing the piece’s inherent humor while revealing the underlying sincerity and truth in each passage. With a keen sense of the music’s absurdities, she navigates through Beethoven’s deliberate heavy-footedness, playfully raising an eyebrow, and inviting us to glimpse what lies beyond. Her sudden changes of inflection allow us to see through the music, as if she unveils the inner workings of the composer’s mind.

From the very start, Uchida sets the stage for a captivating journey. The theme’s playful bounciness, with subtle emphasis on the downward scales, hints at potential humor ahead. As the variations progress, Uchida masterfully weaves a constant thread that ties them together through various mood shifts, creating a sense of continuity and cohesion.

In Variation 20, Uchida’s skillful touch brings out the strangely modern harmonies, searching for a melody that keeps the listener entranced. Then, a few variations later, Beethoven’s nod to Mozart’s Don Giovanni adds an extra layer of charm to the performance, with Uchida’s clarity and dexterity shining brightly.

Finally, Beethoven concludes the variations with a dance, beautifully presented by Uchida as a delicately wrought yet expansive minuet. This elegant finale serves as the culmination of the captivating journey embarked upon and opens up a whole new vista of emotions and artistic expression.

Mitsuko Uchida’s rendition of Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations is a triumph. Her profound understanding of the piece, combined with her impeccable skill and ability to convey both humor and depth, make this recording a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts. Whether you are familiar with the work or new to it, Uchida’s performance will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your musical soul.