Faure Theme and Variations Op. 73

One of his largest keyboard works, Faure's Theme and Variations dates from between his Sixth and Seventh Nocturnes, whose moods and (sounding) keys it shares. In September 1895 Faure wrote to his writer friend Eugene d'Eichtal, "I'm at grips with the final variation, the conclusion of a 'theme varie' for piano. I don't know if the piece is good but I'm sure I'm not surprising you by saying it's very difficult!" Only in late 1896, though, did Faure have the Theme et variations ready for performance and publication. The present edition, based on a wide range of sources, addresses many editorial issues, in particular some problems of tempo that have long affected the work's overall structure and continuity. (Roy Howat)