"33 Veränderungen über einen Walzer einen Walzer von Diabelli": this is the original German title chosen by Beethoven for one of his last great bursts of musical inspiration. Even the title is remarkable, indeed, he did not choose the traditional word "Variation", but the more germanic-sounding "Veränderungen", whose approximate translation could be "transformation". As a matter of fact, the word "tranformation" fits the purpose: by going through the whole composition, the listener (and the pianist) can realize Beethoven's will for the conversion and destruction of the coarse and childish theme written by Diabelli.
The master from Bonn did not solely "kindle" the futile waltz, but also rediscovered (after the last three sonatas) the great masters of the previous century (in the two fugues) and of the Viennese school (in the last Minuetto).
Italian pianist Giuseppe Bruno concludes his journey in the Beethoven's universe of piano variations with his most important, the Diabelli's, and with a minor work, but of rare beauty, 13 Variations on 'Es war einmal ein alter Mann', WoO 66.
The recording was captured by two Brüel & Kjaer microphones by sound engineer Alessandro Simonetto.