.jpg)
As Manitobans endure the dog days of summer, they look for variations in their days: variations in temperature, locale, and activities. With that in mind, Classic 107’s Album of the Month for August is primed with variations from a composer who consistently changed the rules and the expectations of what was possible through music.
Schubert: Variations is the latest instalment in an ongoing series of records exploring the composer's sonatas and major piano works being undertaken by Mathieu Gaudet. The Quebecois pianist began the project back in 2018 and has since managed a pace of about two albums per year. His efforts have been recognized with nominations for the ADISQ Awards, handed out annually in Quebec, and critics have lauded his interpretations thus far for their warmth and sensitivity.
The latest collection of Schubert pieces contains his second piano sonata from 1815, the Valses nobles from 1826, and the impromptus from 1827. All three of these pieces take their time in their variation as Schubert showcases his trademark lyrical style without a trace of impatience that one might expect from a musician of his age.
Classic 107 listeners can hear excerpts from Schubert: Variations every Wednesday morning just after 7:30 a.m. on Morning Light with Nolan Kehler.