Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a

Composed in 1873 and premiered in Vienna under the composer's direction, the Variations on a Theme by Haydn Op. 56a was the first large-scale orchestral work Brahms published under his own name and the piece that announced his mastery of the variation form on an orchestral canvas. Based on the 'St. Antoni Chorale' — probably not by Haydn himself, as later scholarship established — the eight variations and finale explore a vast range of character, from gentle pastoral lyricism to fiery rhythmic energy, while Brahms's contrapuntal ingenuity and formal control are evident throughout. The passacaglia finale, built on an ostinato drawn from the theme, anticipates the great finale of the Fourth Symphony.