six variations

The Variationen zur Gesundung von Arinuschka consists of six short variations on a simple rising and falling octave scale theme. The first three are in minor, the second three in major, reflecting a journey from illness toward recovery.

Play the minor variations with gentle restraint and the major ones with slightly more brightness of touch, but never with undue sentimentality. The transition from minor to major should feel like a quiet turning toward the light.