Piano Variations

Copland’s Piano Variations sounds like a recipe for hobo soup: austere structure, an atonal sounding theme, set theory-like development, massive chords, jazzy rhythms, moments of show tune whimsy, tone clusters, and one kitchen sink. This piecemeal classic gets the raucous performance it deserves delivered by Benjamin Pasternack. And the best part of all, it’s on Naxos. Blessed be the name of the almighty label which is merciful to the poor musician’s wallet.

—RN