Alfred Brendel, world-famous among great pianists, dared to say that this Beethoven masterpiece is the "greatest of all piano works''.
Houstoun does not argue with him in the accompanying booklet, although he nods to Bach's immortal Goldberg Variations as a possible contestant. The Diabelli Variations are based on a simple waltz by Anton Diabelli, an Austrian publisher, and comprise 33 short variations; this endearing performance lasts 55 minutes in total.
Houstoun says playing this work is a sensation of ``trying to punch holes in the very fabric of the cosmos, to throw light on hitherto overlooked realms of the human spirit''. Each variation refers to the waltz or part of it and seems to follow logically from the one before.
Houstoun already has a great reputation as a Beethoven exponent. It will be fondly recalled that the ambitious NZ label Rattle released his large boxed set of 14 CDs in 2014, where he played all 32 of Beethoven's Sonatas. These shorter Variations should cause a similar joyful sensation among classical listeners.
Each one honours the waltz theme in different ways without destroying it. The soloist also brightens the booklet with interesting and helpful written notes, giving a brief commentary for each variation about its music or its challenge for the performer.
The recording by Steve Garden in the Adam Concert Room, Victoria University of Wellington, must also be praised for consistent, lucid detail throughout, with excellent capture of the soloist's wonderful artistry and range of virtuoso expression.
News flash: During 2017 Houstoun will perform and record the complete Beethoven violin sonatas with violinist Bella Hristova. The recordings will be released by Rattle next year.
Verdict: fabulous piano virtuosity in masterpiece.
