Variations on a Theme of Paganini

Witold Lutoslawski

The programme begins with the Variations on a theme of Paganini by Witold Lutoslawski.  This work dates from 1941 when Lutoslawski was making his living by playing in Warsaw cafés.  Most of his performing was on two pianos, with the composer and conductor, Anton Panufnik, his old Warsaw Conservatory classmate.

In the 4½ years they were together, during the war, they

transcribed about 200 works for two pianos, but the Paganini Variations is the only piece to survive the Warsaw Rising.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not, in fact, an original work, but a transcription of Paganini's own set of Variations from the 24th Caprice for solo violin.