Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) originally wrote his VARIATIONS ON A THEME BY JOSEPH HAYDN for two pianos (Op. 56b) in 1873. Later that year he orchestrated the work for orchestra (Op. 56a). Composed in the typical theme and variations form, this work consists of the theme based on “Chorale St Antoni,” eight variations and a finale. Though Brahms has credited the theme to Haydn, most likely the theme was written by another composer resulting in the piece sometimes being referred to as ST. ANTHONY VARIATIONS or VARIATIONS ON THE ST. ANTHONY CHORALE. The first performance of the orchestral version was given by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on November 2, 1873 with Brahms conducting. Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2.2.2+CBsn: 4.2.0.0: Timp.Perc(1): Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set). Reprint edition.