Brahms: Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel

Published in Modern Music and Musicians, University Society, New York, 1918.
(image: Rudolf Dührkoop)
No. 24 Specksgang (later renumbered to No. 60 Speckstraße), Hamburg.
Brahms family lived behind the two double windows on the left at first floor level.
The building was destroyed by bombing in 1943.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Brahms_geburtshaus_in_Hamburg.jpg)
no copyright infringement intended

This work, Op.24 (whose first interpret has been Clara Schumann), consists of 25 short variations finding their conclusion in the ending fugue (which sounds greatly, by the way). It is based on the third movement (Aria con variazioni) of Handel's Harpsichord Suite No. 1 in B-flat major, HWV 434.

Brahms: Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel Op.24
Simone Pedroni at the 1991 GPA Dublin International Piano Competition
(video by Fredobel51)

And here is the original that inspired Brahms: Handel's Harpsichord Suite No. 1 in B-flat major, HWV 434. Enjoy!

Sophie Yates plays Handel
Harpsichord Suite No. 1 in B-flat major, HWV 434
I. Prelude
II. Sonata
III. Aria con variazioni
IV. Minuet
(video by elias12186)

(Aimez-vous Brahms?)