Brahms: Haydn Variations - Reger: Mozart Variations - Ives: Variations on “America”

Here is one of the numerous live recordings made by Kurt Masur during his successful mandate as director of te New York Philharmonic. Dedicated to the orchestral variations, it includes Brahms’ Saint Anthony after Haydn and Reger’s variations after a theme from Mozart’s eleventh piano sonata. The program is introduced by Charles Ives’ set of variations after the popular tune America, My Country, ‘Tis of Thee, which shares it melody with the British national anthem. Originally composed for the organ, it is typical of Ives’ manner. The theme is irreverently treated, but with an unbounded creativity! William Schuman’s witty orchestration makes it all the more irresistible.