Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Handel, Op. 24 [Alf:98-EP3926A]

Variations and Fugue on a Theme by George Frideric Handel (Op. 24) for piano solo, edited by Carl Seemann and with musicological revision by Kurt Stephenson. Composed in 1861 and dedicated to Clara Schumann on her birthday, the 25 variations are based on Handel's 'Aria con Variazioni' from the Suite No. 1 in B flat major in his second collection of harpsichord suites (1733). The choice of theme reflects Brahms' love of baroque music, and the variations pay homage to many Baroque stylistic features, culminating in a magnificent fugue at the end.