February 26, 2008 "Virtuoso Variations" <Listen to Preview> <Listen Online Now>

This week's program is titled "Virtuoso Variations", and features works written in variation form by Handel, Carulli, Rodrigo, and Giuliani.

The program begins with Grammy-winner David Russell's solo guitar arrangement of the Passacaglia from Handel's 7th Keyboard Suite. Unlike the classic theme & variations form, where variations are based on a melodic theme, the passacaglia form features variations based on a repeating bass line.

The theme and variations form has been a favorite of guitar composer, especially in the 19th Century. Ferdinando Carulli (1770-1841) arranged Beethoven's Variations on a theme of Mozart for guitar and fortepiano, plus added a few variations of his own.

Joaquin Rodrigo's (1901-1999) "Concierto Madrigal" for two guitars and orchestra is a set of 10 short variations on the Renaissance madrigal "Felices Ojos Mios" (Happy Eyes of Mine).

The program closes with Mauro Giuliani's (1782-1829) variations on themes from Rossini's opera "Cenerentola" (Cinderella).

Public Radio Satellite System uplink:
Wednesday, , February 27, 2008 at 1300 ET Channel: A68.1

Program ID# 08-D65-00009
Title: Virtuoso Variations
Total length: 58:57

In Cue: MUSIC IN "Hello and welcome to.."
Out Cue: MUSIC IN "...another edition of Classical Guitar Alive!"

INTRODUCTION:

Bizet: Carmen Suite: Prelude
Los Romeros (Philips 412-609)

PROGRAM BEGINS:

Handel: Passacaglia
David Russell, guitar
(GHA 126-006)

Carulli: Beethoven Variations
Sonja Prunnbauer, guitar
Robert Hill, fortepiano
(MDG 603-0616)

Rodrigo: Concierto Madrigal
Pepe & Angel Romero, guitars
Acad. St. Martin in-the-fields
Neville Marriner, conductor
(Philips 400-024)

Giuliani: Variations, op. 146
Frederic Zigante, guitar
(ARTS 47147)

CLOSING THEME/FUNDING CREDITS