FRANZ SCHMIDT (1874-1939): Concertante Variationen über ein Thema von Beethoven for Piano (Left Hand) and Orchestra, Concerto for Piano (Left Hand) and Orchestra.

Description: Written for the one-armed Paul Wittgenstein in 1934, the big, 46-minute concerto follows right on from the Fourth Symphony in its elegiac mood, moderate tempi and philosophically musing quality, suggesting in much of its actual musical structure (and, often, mood) late Brahms and Bruckner. The Beethoven variations (from the scherzo and trio of the Spring Sonata), date from 1923 and occupy 34 minutes in seven segments, Schmidt introducing more modern forms (a bolero, for instance) and harmonic colors as the work progresses. Only available recording of the concerto. Carlo Grante (piano), Central German Radio Symphony Orchestra; Fabio Luisi.